Two "Sick Building" Toxic Substances to be Regulated

The Japanese Diet approved on July 5 the revision of the Building Standard Law, which controls two chemical substances contained in building materials known to be connected with the "sick building syndrome". The new law goes into effect within one year.

The law bans the use of chlorpyriphos, the insecticide for control of termites, and sets the maximum allowable surface area for products using formaldehyde, emitted from adhesives used for plywood and wallpaper. The revised law also requires builders to install ventilation equipment for airtight dwellings such as apartments.


Posted: 2002/08/24 05:15:55 AM
Japanese version