Risks associated with chemical treatment residues in buildings

Past and current uses of chemical treatments to control or eradicate fungal infections and/or insect infestations in buildings have led to a number of reported cases where occupants and users of these buildings have suffered various physical symptoms. The role of chemical treatments, whether as biocides, fungicides, insecticides or wood preservatives, has therefore come under scrutiny and various countries are now reviewing their use in favour of a more benign approach to the management of decay in buildings. Growing concern for the environment and the health of those treating or living in treated buildings has also led to changes in the way we perceive and deal with buildings and building defects. As a result, the conventional approach to survey, defect diagnosis and remediation has to be re‐thought and placed in the context of a wider environmental agenda. This paper provides evidence for how historic chemical treatments can have effects on the health of the building and its occupants, and considers the implications of such treatments for those charged with specifying or undertaking works to the fabric of affected buildings.