Nichiha & Fly Ash

For more than 50 years, Nichiha has continued to improve upon our products and has remained on the cutting edge of technology and sustainable manufacturing. Over the past several years, one of these advancements is the inclusion of fly ash into our manufacturing process. Currently, there is quite a bit of misinformation about fly ash, and it is causing some uncertainty amongst customers. In response, Nichiha has chosen to shed light on the facts about fly ash, as well as explain the reasons for incorporating it into our products, and how that improves product performance and sustainability. In keeping with our dedication to the customer, Nichiha has laid out these five simple truths concerning fly ash.

Five Truths about Fly Ash

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies fly ash as non hazardous or non toxic. Fly ash is not listed under the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act, which defines hazardous waste and regulates its management.
The United States Geological Survey discovered the amount of naturally occurring metals and trace elements in fly ash is almost identical to what is found in everyday soil and rock.
By recycling fly ash, millions of tons of solid waste are diverted away from landfills each year. The LEED BD+C Reference Guide, cites fly ash as a recycled product used as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete and applicable for the LEED credit.
Using fly ash in fiber cement strengthens the board, while allowing for more flexibility and without compromising the nail-ability or installation.
By using fly ash in fiber cement, Nichiha drastically reduces the amount of crystalline silica in their product, making it a safe product to cut and handle. According to the National Library of Medicine crystalline silica is the cause of the occupational lung disease, silicosis.