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This guidance addresses the role that sustainable procurement can play in managing chemicals of concern in electronic and electrical equipment procured across the public sector, during their entire lifecycle. It is primarily addressed to public procurers as well as those responsible for the procurement of waste management solutions at end-of-life for electronics equipment.

This guidance is aimed at helping procurement practitioners implement policies on chemicals management through sustainable procurement approaches and tools such as market dialogue, criteria and ecolabels.

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.

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 report presents the results of a major research project into the total lead content of solvent-based paints for home use available on the market in 15 African countries: Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia. It also presents background information on the health impacts of lead paint, especially for children; a review of national policy frameworks that are in place on lead paint, and it provides a strong justification for adopting and enforcing further regulatory controls in these countries.

This article reports on the outcome of an African regional workshop on generating support for phasing out lead in paint. The workshop recommended a lead limit of 90 ppm. In Nigeria, the 90 ppm lead standard has been in place since 2016 and a roadmap on lead paint elimination and management has been adopted.

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.