Tox-Free, Circular, and Climate-Friendly: How Europe Can Transform Its Buildings

People spend most of their lives indoors, yet indoor dust analyses from Baltic cities show that construction materials release hazardous substances such as PFAS, plasticisers, and chlorinated paraffins into indoor air and the environment. Stormwater also washes harmful chemicals—biocides, flame retardants, PFAS and metals—from building exteriors into soil and waterways.

Since the construction sector is responsible for 30–40% of the environmental impacts targeted by the EU Green Deal, transforming buildings is essential. Pilot studies from the NonHazCity3 project demonstrate that tox-free, circular and climate-friendly construction is already achievable, but scaling it across Europe requires transparent chemical information, harmonised standards, and strong public procurement to drive market innovation.

Read the policy brief here.

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