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"What's it Made of?" is an environmental health initiative which encourages the elimination of dangerous substances commonly included in furniture production. The initiative involves a simple pledge for manufacturers to ask their suppliers about the substances in their materials and products. "What's it Made of?" was launched in 2016 and instantly gained over 300 signatures, which continue to grow through the efforts of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

Dublin Crossing is a 50-unit, 3-storey affordable housing development in Minnesota. The specifications for the development were benchmarked against the HomeFree hazard spectrums and incorporated measures such as low-VOC paint, and doors and millwork using NAUF (No Added Urea Formaldehyde) composite wood products. The project was used as an opportunity to explore alternative flooring options to reduce toxins whilst meeting practical requirements such as durability and easy maintenance.

Breathaplasta is a lime-based plaster system designed to be thermally insulating and moisture regulating. The product is made from a bio-aggregate which is engineered to reduce the risk of condensation and mould, reduce heat loss and improve thermal comfort. Breathaplasta is produced by Adaptavate, a UK-based company which aims to support healthier and more resource-efficient buildings.

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.