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Fly Ash - Harmful? Alternatives for Chemically Sensitive?

Hi All, 

The rural concrete supplier that is used for most of our projects sources their fly ash from a nearby coal burning plant that is scheduled to be closed in the next two years. In anticipation of this, they are looking into alternative fly ash sources and SCM options and we'd like to provide suggestions.

Does anyone have experience with a non-toxic SCM that is appropriate for chemically sensitive individuals? Additionally, can anyone share research on the negative health effects of fly ash and other SCMs to better help us understand the extents of this concern? 

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Kjell Anderson
Director of Sustainable Design
LMN Architects
LEEDuser Basic Member
4 thumbs up

Wed, 10/23/2024 - 19:00

Hi Marisol, There are entirely new formulations of concrete that don't involve cement, and thus no need to buy fly ash or slag. It's still early days, but real pours are occurring. I can't speak to toxins in the product - they may address your concerns, though: https://ccretetech.com/news/ There are others as well that don't use cement - and thus don't need substitute cementitious materials to reduce cement content - that are in various levels of production. -Kjell Kjell Anderson FAIA, LEED Fellow Principal, Director of Sustainable Design LMN Architects lmnarchitects.com M 206 812 6546 O 206 682 3460 S Linkedin | X | Instagram
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Kristian Kicinski
Associate Principal / Director of Sustainability
Bassetti Architects
LEEDuser Premium Member
7 thumbs up

Wed, 10/23/2024 - 22:09

The most promising non-fly ash, non-slag SCM that I know of is Pozzotiv, the ground glass pozzolan. Seems to be mostly available on the east coast at the moment. There have been several reports/studies looking at leeching heavy metals or other health concerns related to fly ash in concrete that I have seen. Sorry I can't point you to one. My recollection is they weren't able to validate any contamination concerns- the fly ash is pretty well encapsulated. Don't quote me on that though, I'm going from memory. Kristian Kicinski AIA, LFA, LEED AP BD+C (he, him) Associate Principal / Director of Sustainability direct: 206.536.1370 Send me files

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