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Among the various properties, which pay attention to when choosing a masonry building material, an important place is occupied by environmental safety. If we talk about aerated concrete, in the network you can find a lot of statements that it is harmful to health and / or the environment. This is completely unsubstantiated information, which are cited mainly by manufacturers of other building materials.

The authors of such articles cite the fact that the construction of buildings made of aerated concrete is prohibited in Finland and a number of other European countries. However, such bans have no connection with the issue of environmental friendliness. The reason here is the strength, which is unacceptable for the harsh climatic conditions of the Scandinavian peninsula. So, is aerated concrete actually harmful? The answer to the question you will find in this article.

The eco-friendliness of aerated concrete: the real facts

To begin with, let's give the components that make up autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. In the process of their production, cement, silica sand, lime, water and aluminum powder are used. None of these components are toxic and pose no danger to human health or the environment. During production and in the finished product, these components do not enter into any chemical reactions.

Moreover, the fact that the material does not react with external elements present in the normal environment is proof of the ecological friendliness of aerated concrete (perhaps the authors of the accusatory articles conducted experiments inside a nuclear reactor - it is difficult to find another explanation for their arguments). Is there any more proof required that the claims about the harm of aerated concrete are absolute heresy? If yes, there is!

Some pseudo-experts express an opinion about the toxicity and sometimes even radioactivity of the gas that is in the sealed pores of aerated concrete blocks. In fact, in the pores of aerated concrete blocks is ordinary air, and ok, as is known, is not dangerous to health, and even less radioactive.

Thus, aerated concrete belongs to the category of environmentally safe materials. This is confirmed by certificates of conformity, which every reputable manufacturing company is ready to provide its buyers. At least, if you purchase autoclaved aerated concrete blocks of our production, we will document the absence of any harm in their composition.

Popular Myths and Facts About the Environmental Safety of Aerated Concrete

Myth 1: Aerated concrete contains hazardous chemicals and toxic additives.

• Fact: Autoclaved aerated concrete is manufactured from basic, human-safe components: quartz sand, cement, lime, water, and a small amount of aluminum powder as a gas-forming agent. In the finished stone, these substances transition into a stable and chemically passive state without emitting toxic fumes.

Myth 2: Aerated concrete blocks are radioactive and accumulate radiation.

• Fact: The level of natural radiation background in autoclaved aerated concrete is significantly lower than established standards. For instance, the permissible radioactivity norm for building materials is 370 Bq/kg, whereas for aerated blocks this indicator is around 54 Bq/kg, making the material safer than many other alternatives.

Myth 3: Aerated concrete is banned in Europe due to its toxicity.

• Fact: Rumors can be found online claiming that aerated concrete is banned in Finland and other countries due to environmental harm, but this is a myth. Restrictions on the use of certain lightweight wall materials in some northern regions are exclusively related to their strength characteristics and the harsh climate of Scandinavia, not to environmental hazards.

Myth 4: Due to its porous structure, dangerous mold and fungus grow on the walls.

• Fact: Autoclaved aerated concrete has excellent vapor permeability, allowing house walls to "breathe" so that moisture does not stagnate inside. With proper adherence to construction and finishing technologies, the material is completely resistant to microorganisms, and the risk of mold formation is minimized.

Myth 5: When heated or exposed to fire, aerated concrete emits toxic gases.

• Fact: Aerated concrete belongs to the category of non-combustible materials with a first degree of fire resistance. Under the influence of an open flame or high temperatures, it does not burn, does not spread fire, and does not emit any toxic or life-threatening compounds.