Pyrrhotite is a mineral found in some forms of concrete aggregate and it's being blamed for causing structural damage to thousands of Quebec homes. When the mineral is exposed to humidity and oxygen, it expands and causes concrete cracking. A $5 million research project through Canada's National Research Council has been created to find solutions.
Research will help determine at what concentration levels pyrrhotite becomes destructive, as well as finding detection and prevention methods. The project is being funded by both the federal government of Canada and the province of Quebec. The province has already compensated homeowners to the amount of $52 million for damages incurred.
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