LEACHATE AND RADON PRODUCTION FROM FLY-ASH AUTOCLAVED CELLULAR CONCRETE

Environmental consequences and potential Liabilities of autoclaved cel lular concrete (ACC) use were assessed by aqueous leaching of crushed samples for metals and organic solvent extractions of solid ACC for po lycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Also, whole ACC blocks were tes ted for radon exhalation potential. Results show leachate concentratio ns were typically 10 times below, and always 100 times below the regul atory threshold of applicable drinking water standards. A Microtox bio assay procedure showed no toxic effects due to leached metals. Organic analysis of solvent extracts indicated no release of hazardous PAHs a ttributable to the By ash ingredient of ACC. Measured rates of radon e xhalation were too low to cause potentially dangerous buildups in conf ined air spaces. Fly ash ACC may be characterized as an environmentall y ''green'' construction material based on these findings.