A major British building supplies company has claimed new scientific evidence justifies its decision to withdraw a damp-proofing product widely used in the construction industry in Ireland and Britain. The product was found to contain cancer-causing chemicals
At a press conference in Dublin yesterday, D Anderson and Son Ltd issued the latest test results on "pitch polymer DPC" in response to criticism of the company's decision by other manufacturers of the product. It is routinely used in walls, doors and windows.
The company, which specialises in water proofing, withdrew its pitch polymer DPC after earlier tests by independent authorities and the British Health and Safety Executive showed it contained high levels of carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Anderson's managing director, Dr Roy Jenkins, said withdrawing its product was necessary on health grounds. This had been confirmed by the latest tests the company had commissioned from Strathclyde University. These found such products were a potential hazard simply by dry physical contact, and that wrappers were contaminated under normal storage conditions, he said.
The use of solvent adhesives, which are used to seal joints, with the products adds to the hazard, Dr Jenkins claimed. "All this, therefore, reaffirms Anderson's original decision to withdraw its pitch polymer DPC launched a year ago."
He said he had not anticipated the response of competitors, who had alleged the previous tests were flawed and accused the company of "a sales gimmick" to launch another product on the back of the discredited one. The pitch polymer DPC market is worth an estimated £20 million a year in the UK and the Republic.
Given the weight of evidence detailing the hazards of using pitch polymer DPCs, the construction industry should start to use approved safer alternatives immediately, he said. His company was prepared to finance the appropriate tests by Forbairt, which offers technological advice to companies. Anderson and Son had a suitable alternative - as had other companies - but it was not a new product, he said.
The new British Health and Safety Executive recommendations - in short, wear gloves and overalls, and take special hygiene precautions - were not feasible on a construction site. The average builder in summer "wears shorts, tattoo and nothing else," said Anderson's marketing executive, Mr Phil Richardson.
The British Transport and General Workers Union supported the Anderson stance.
The Irish Health and Safety Authority said it was in contact with its British counterpart on the issue, and acknowledged that, if certain levels of carcinogens were occurring in some pitch products, it would be of concern. A spokesman said that under present legislation, there are carcinogen limits in place and an onus on employers/suppliers to carry out proper risk assessment. If safe alternatives are not possible, special procedures must be in place.
