International conference: limiting health impacts of construction products regarding VOC

The aim of the conference is to revitalise the discussions on a harmonised communication about VOC emission classes. A harmonised classification and declaration approach is regarded an essential element of improving the protection level for humans and the environment and ensure healthy buildings.

According to current planning, the conference will provide

• A brief overview of the current policy framework, the state of play regarding harmonisation in the area and outlining the action need regarding the communication on VOC emissions from construction products
• An opportunity to discuss specific proposals, on how VOC emission classes could be identified and communicated
• A platform for the member state representatives to discuss among each other and with the EU Commission as well as further stakeholders common approaches to tackle VOC contamination of indoor air.

If agreeable, a consensus declaration will be developed at the conference on a concept for VOC emission classes for implementation in mandatory and voluntary declaration tools.

For more background information

• https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/service/dates/briefing-evaluation-of-construction-product
• Scutaru, A.M. & Witterseh, T. (2020). Risk mitigation for indoor air quality using the example of construction products – efforts towards a harmonization of the health-related evaluation in the EU. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 229.
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113588.

The conference will take place on April 20 /21 2020 in Berlin at the Tagungswerk. We currently plan starting at 11:00 CET on Tuesday and ending around 13:00 CET on Wednesday.

The conference is envisaged as hybrid conference with face-to-face participation for some and the opportunity to join virtually for others.

During the next months and as the planning progresses, we will provide more information about this conference on this website.