More on Recycled Synthetic Roof Shingles

I am an architect interested in environmental issues. EBN is always my first source in searching for information about environmental products because of its clear summaries and comparisons. Your “Recycled Synthetic Roofing Shingles” product review ( Vol. 9, No. 5 – May 2000) raises two questions for me.

First, do you know of any research concerning UV exposure enabling rainwater to transport any metals or contaminants from these roofs? I am particularly curious as I am considering this for a residential project and am concerned about how this affects not only the local ecosystem, but also children who might be in the yard. Since there is some concern about the pollution from tire wear on freeways, I am wondering if there is also cause for concern in the use of recycled tires for roofs. (My quick look at tire wear pollution information, noted that in addition to rubber, tire wear leaves lead, zinc, cadmium, and PCBs—see www.railtrails.org/epa.html.)

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