hazardous substance

NonHazCity 3 is a European project under the framework of the EU Interreg Program for the Baltic Sea Region. The project aims to reduce hazardous substances in the construction sector and to support circular construction. A NonHazCity Building Award will be given to celebrate the most effective laws and policies for non-hazardous buildings – nominations are welcome! Deadline is the 15th June 2024.

Reducing substances in the construction sector that are hazardous to health and the environment and supporting circular construction – these are the goals of NonHazCity 3, a European project in the EU Interreg Program for the Baltic Sea Region. The project team involves 21 partners from all eight EU countries around the Baltic Sea, including the German Environment Agency (UBA).

What is the purpose of classification and labelling of chemicals? What exactly is "classification" and "labelling"? What are the governing laws and where can they be looked up?

Carpets, notebooks or rubber boots: toxic substances can be found in almost everything. The purpose of environmental and health protection is to steadily reduce the number of toxic substances in products as well as their release from products.

Building products which come into contact with groundwater or rainwater should not release harmful amounts of pollutants. An environmentally compatible choice of products requires reliable and comparable data on the leaching of substances. UBA has published reference data based on new European leaching tests, which are now available for producers and users.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) developed at UN level does not take effect directly. To be implemented in a binding way, it must be transposed into the national law of individual states or communities of states. In Europe, this has been done through the CLP Regulation.