How can non-soil fumigation affect building materials?

Non-soil fumigation can indeed affect building materials by causing damage or degradation. This process often involves the use of volatile chemicals meant to eliminate pests or pathogens, and when these chemicals are introduced into a structure, they can interact with various materials such as wood, plastics, and metals.

The chemicals may lead to reactions that weaken the structural integrity of the materials, promote corrosion in metals, or cause deterioration in organic substances like wood. For instance, certain fumigants can break down cellulose, which is a key component of wood, leading to weakening and increased susceptibility to pests or environmental factors.

Understanding the potential impact of these chemicals is crucial for ensuring safety and longevity in building maintenance and pest management. It emphasizes the need for thorough evaluations of building materials before and after fumigation to prevent costly damage and maintain the building's structural integrity.