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This article from the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology notes it is not uncommon for so-called green building to meet the highest criteria for energy efficiency and be built with materials that contain chemicals hazardous to occupant health. This journal article provides key examples of how scientists have promoted healthy building practices and highlights additional research opportunities.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are known organic pollutants with adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem. This paper synthesises literature about the status of the pollutants and their precursors, identifies knowledge gaps and discusses future perspectives on the study of PFASs in Africa.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) contamination has been found in the construction spoil of many major projects, and there is growing concern about the health and environmental implications of these “forever” chemicals. This study highlights the common issues that are associated with the management of PFAS contamination in the construction industry, and proposes a mechanism for improved regulation.

Two international Conventions from the International Labor Organization (ILO; C162 Asbestos Convention) and the UN (Basel Convention) offer governments guidelines for achieving a total asbestos ban policy, but the long-term effect of these Conventions on policy implementation remains unknown. This study assessed data on asbestos bans in 108 countries and confirms that adoption of both the C162 Asbestos Convention and the Basel Convention facilitates countries in moving towards a total asbestos ban.

This review focuses on the world’s first process for producing an aromatic polycarbonate (PC) using CO2 as starting material. The process is an example of green and sustainable chemistry as previous methods of producing PC use not only highly toxic and corrosive phosgene made from CO and Cl2 as a monomer, but also very large amounts of CH2Cl2 and water.

A company may choose to substitute a chemical to improve the safety or environmental footprint of a product or material.  In other cases, the primary reason may be to improve functionality, but it is important to ensure that substitute chemicals do not carry unintended health or pollution risks.  This guide form the European Chemicals Agency provides an overview of how to identify harmful substances and ensure that substitution practices are effective in improving safety and reducing chemical impacts.

OECD have compiled a range of frameworks, guides and toolkits are available to support sound chemical substitution processes.

A guide from ChemSec aiming to simplify the process of chemical substitution