NonHazCity3 project at the Europe Forum

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NonHazCity3 project (NHC3) was a part of planning a panel discussion at the Europe Forum in Turku, Finland on the 27th of August. Europe Forum is an annual event that promotes open, science-based discussions between policymakers and citizens. The event’s seminars, panel discussions and debates support constructive dialogue about Europe, and the importance and development of the European Union.

NHC3 focuses on the problem of harmful chemicals found in buildings, construction sites and construction materials. The aim of the project is to raise awareness on hazardous substances found in construction materials and reduce exposure to these chemicals in homes, workplaces and water environments, including the Baltic Sea.

The panel discussion hosted at the Europe Forum was titled “How to minimize the harm caused by environmental toxins to the environment, people, and circular economy?”. The aim of the discussion was to outline solutions for reducing hazardous substances and discuss the responsibilities of different parties regarding the subject.

The moderator of the panel was Piia Leskinen from Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Panelists:

• Pauli Aalto-Setälä, member of the Parliament
• Lotta Ruokonen, Deputy Executive Secretary of HELCOM
• Petri Tuominen, CEO of the Wastewater Treatment Plan of the region of Jyväskylä
• Laura Walin, Head of Unit Environmental Protection, City of Helsinki

The beginning of the discussion focused on the current state of hazardous substances and means of removal from the environment. The panelists concluded that the removal of chemicals from the environment can be difficult, expensive and slow. The solution to reducing harmful substances must come from reducing their use, and not to wait for technology to develop in removing them.

The panelists discussed the reduction of harmful substances from the perspective of consumers. Laura Walin, the Head of Environmental Protection of the City of Helsinki, commented on the role of municipalities. Municipalities are influential consumers with the opportunity to steer the market in a more ambitious direction regarding environmental goals. She spoke about the significance of NHC3 in developing responsible procurement and creating safer product criteria. NonHazCity2 project has played a major role in reducing harmful substances in construction materials in the City of Helsinki in a concrete way.

Member of the Parliament Pauli Aalto-Setälä made an important note about the responsibility of consumers from making purchases outside the European Union. EU’s REACH regulation aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals, but regulation can be slow to react to the constant changes and introductions of new chemicals to the market. He wishes to hear a resounding no to Temu, stating that buying from similar suppliers is an environmental crime.

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