A ROOFING CONTRACTOR has uncovered shocking chemical burns and health dangers thought to originate in treated roofing battens or laths.

In response to a surge in reports of leaking roofing membranes, The Roofing Outlaw decided to investigate why the underlay membranes had started to cause problems.

His research set off a chain of revelations that has now uncovered a dangerous connection between chemicals in roofing battens and compromised roofing membranes. The chemicals are allegedly causing severe skin burns among roofers and tradesmen.

Chemical Burns

The chemical identified at the core of this issue is Permethrin, a synthetic chemical commonly used in timber treatments. According to COSHH sheets, Permethrin is no stranger to causing havoc—it induces skin irritation, burns and may cause genetic defects, organ damage and damage fertility. The alarming revelations don’t stop there; mental health conditions are also attributed to exposure.

While the primary victims are roofers, anyone working with treated timber is potentially at risk. Thousands of reported cases have surfaced, showing tradesmen suffering from severe skin burns due to exposure to these harmful chemicals.

This week Don & Low, manufacturers of Roofshield, revealed they have conducted extensive testing to find the root cause of the compromised roofing membranes. Shockingly, their findings reveal that the chemicals in roofing battens, particularly Permethrin, are leaching out of the treated timber, leading to membrane compromise. Ongoing tests further underscore a significant concern—affecting not just specific products, but the entire roofing industry.

Immediate Health Risk

The Building Research Establishment (BRE), the UK’s leading science-led construction research facility, has corroborated these findings. Chemicals are indeed leaching out of the battens, posing an immediate risk to the health and safety of tradesmen. More evidence is awaited, but the gravity of the situation is apparent.

Compounding the issue, there’s a growing concern over the influx of fake battens into the UK market. Changes in the supply chain were brought about by recent disruptions including the Covid-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine. These have led to the emergence of non-traditional batten manufacturers. These changes, coupled with different treatment processes and exceptional rainfall, have set the stage for a potential crisis in the roofing industry.

The Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, and the government have all been notified and are reportedly actively investigating the claims. The entire industry is now under scrutiny, and the urgency to address the issue is obvious.

Merchant Action

In response to these alarming findings, the call to action is clear. Builders’ merchants are urged to provide data sheets and transition to non-toxic battens. Storing treated timber indoors is recommended to prevent rain-induced leaching, a critical step in curbing the ongoing risks.

Further, the toll on tradesmen is not just physical but extends to their livelihoods. Reports of skin burns, eye irritation, and rashes have resulted in expensive time off work. Many in the industry are self-employed, amplifying the financial strain caused by health issues.

The gravity of the situation deepens as Permethrin, one of the identified chemicals, is a known weak carcinogen. The risks associated with exposure go beyond immediate health concerns, painting a bleak picture for those affected.

Protecting Roofers

While personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by some when handling these products, the supply chain continues posing a risk. Suppliers continue to stock products that could potentially harm tradespeople. The resounding advice from The Roofing Outlaw and those at the forefront of this investigation is clear: switch to non-toxic laths to safeguard the wellbeing of those on the front lines of the industry.

The Roofing Outlaw, through his investigation, aims to raise awareness of the imminent risks posed by chemical leaching from roofing battens or laths. The urgency to implement industry-wide changes is clear. It’s not just about protecting profits—it’s about protecting the health and safety of those who put a roof over our heads.

>>Read more about roofing membranes and battens in the news

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