outgassing of polyethylene

[Jorg Ostrowski <ash@freenet.calgary.ab.ca>]

As requested below, polyethylene is inert as far as our research can
tell.I have personally checked this out quite extensively.Hope this helps.

BTW, stamped (stenciled) concrete is usually very expensive,
precluding its use in many projects.

BTW although we have experience with fibre-reinforced concrete, its
additional cost was not justified in retrospect. We
also did not find it cost-effective from a "crack control" perspective. 
All slab-on-grade concrete is now specified with 3/8" dia. R-bar
(recycled) for dual purposes: crack control and radiant floor tubing
attachment. Hope this helps someone.
_________________________________________________________________________
Jorg Ostrowski,  M. Arch. A.S. (MIT), B. Arch. (Toronto), Ecotect  
 - in full-time professional practice since 1976, strawbale work since 1978  
 - living a conserver lifestyle & working in a sustainable home and office
Web Site [under construction]: http://www.ucalgary.ca/~jdo/ecotecture.htm
__________________________________________________________________________
On Wed, 29 Jan 1997, Environmental Design Collaborative wrote:
> Concrete slabs can be embossed to look like tiles or stones with 
> press-on forms.
> I have some manufacturers literature if you are interested, but your 
> concrete supplier should have info as well.
> It's also possible to add polyethylene fibers to the concrete in lieu of 
> wire mesh.  This helps keep the slab from cracking and thus more 
> attractive if it is going to be exposed.

> (Jorg, do you have any info on toxin levels for polyethylene fiber 
> admixture?)