Building and construction is one of the most chemical-intensive sectors downstream of the chemical industry. It is the largest end market for chemicals and the sector generating the highest chemical revenue.
This report provides an overview of the challenge that chemicals of concern pose in the context of products relevant for the building and construction sector. It outlines the relevance and linkages of chemicals of concern with regards to a building life cycle and highlights existing gaps, challenges and opportunities regarding the imperative of increasing circularity in the building and construction sector.
It also explores how the long service lives of construction materials, often spanning decades, contribute to a significant stockpile of "legacy chemicals" in older structures. These chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in outdated sealants or coatings, may still pose risks decades after their use has been discontinued.