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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.

Plastic is one of the most used materials for consumer goods, packaging and as building material. The use of plastics in the building sector is greatly influenced by current megatrends: climate change, pollution, demography and urbanisation, need for resilience, health, as well as affordable housing and shelter with its regional implications.

Ecolabel for sustainable products with criteria set for some construction chemicals.

Safer Consumer Products (SCP) has compiled a list of alternatives to PFASs in carpets and rugs to assist manufacturers looking for substitutes. The alternatives have been grouped into two categories: non-chemical and chemical alternatives. Products and manufacturers are listed but they are not endorsed by SCP and the safety of the alternatives has not been assessed.

This study aims to predict human exposure to pollutants and heating load in buildings by developing a numerical model coupling heat and chemical transfers in the building envelope. The study characterizes the effect of temperature and air renewal rate on chemical emissions from building materials and human exposure. The results show that increasing indoor temperature by 10°C doubles the maximum indoor air concentration of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, leading to increased human exposure. The study also finds that higher air renewal rates lead to smaller intake fractions of pollutants from building materials. The study highlights the need to guide early design choices towards a good compromise between human indoor exposure and heating load, especially with the increasing emphasis on energy-efficient building design.

This is a pre-print manuscript pending publication in open access scientific journals.

This document has been developed within the framework of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project ID: 9771 on Global Best Practices on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues of Concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).