| Abstract [eng] |
This study examined three chemical substances widely used in construction products – TCPP, diuron, and 6:2 diPAP – which serve important technical functions due to their specific properties but simultaneously pose risks to the environment and human health. All the investigated substances exhibit hazardous properties and persistence in various environmental compartments. The material flow analysis (MFA) method was applied to assess the movement of these substances within the construction sector – from their import into the European Union to potential emissions into the environment compartments. The analysis was conducted using STAN software. A quantitative flow analysis was carried out for TCPP and diuron, while due to data limitations, a conceptual model was developed for 6:2 diPAP. The results for TCPP showed that the highest emissions occur on construction sites during the spraying of PUR foams (approximately 32.3 tonnes per year), with significant accumulation in water (13.7 t/year) and soil (45.9 t/year). The substance is persistent; this accumulation potentially poses a long-term risk to the environment and human health. Diuron analysis revealed that most emissions occur early in the product use phase, with the majority of the substance accumulating in soil (74.29 or 132.66 t/year). Diuron is highly toxic to aquatic organisms and exhibits high persistence, meaning that even small quantities may cause long-lasting negative effects on ecosystems. Although only a conceptual flow model was created for 6:2 diPAP, it was found that the substance is frequently detected in indoor dust, indicating a potential for chronic human exposure in indoor environments. The study results revealed that information on the presence of these substances in construction products is often not publicly available or clearly disclosed. Therefore, it is necessary to tighten transparency requirements, and if their use is unavoidable, to implement measures that reduce emissions to the environment. Only through such actions can the risks associated with TCPP, diuron, and 6:2 diPAP be effectively managed and ensure that construction sector parties have access to hazard-free building solutions. |
