Question from Octavia
My husband and I are about to break ground on our healthy home.
We chose poured concrete for the wall system and floor primarily because it reduced the need for potentially toxic or irritiating building materials and finishes (I have developed strong chemical sensitivities and allergies over the few years, right now I am doing a lot better and hope to improve further by living in a healthier environment).
The end result will be a layer of concrete on the exterior walls, and one on the interior, with insulation sandwiched between. We do not plan on finishing (painting, sealing) the interior or exterior of the walls of floor aside from using Xypex or a similar hardener, and possibly AFM Mexeseal on the floor.
Question: Our masonry contractors would like to use two additives in the cement, and we need to make a decision about their safety vs. their function. The two products they recommended were BASF Polyheed 997, and BASF MB AE 90, both considered essential for creating strong concrete that can weather freeze-thaw cycles effectively. Since we live in Upstate NY, this is naturally a concern. I am trying to assess the safety of these products – here is a link to their MSDS, as well as one for the bio-based form release agent for the metal forms:
http://www.anchsand.com/Portals/3/mbae90_msds.pdf
http://www.anchsand.com/Portals/3/polyheed_msds.pdf
http://www.euclidchemical.com/fileshare/ProductFiles/msds/079T_27_U.pdf
Would you recommend the use of these products in our situation? Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
I would use the BASF MB AE 90. It contains no hazardous ingredients required to be listed on the MSDS.
The foam release agent is fine too.
