Human Toxicity of Building Materials and the Application of the Taxonomy Principle in Green Public Procurement: The Life Cycle Assessment as a Tool

Abstract

The construction sector is a major contributor to global environmental impacts, but current sustainability assessments often overlook the human health risks posed by toxic building materials. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Green Public Procurement (GPP) aim to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, the integration of material toxicity metrics remains fragmented, undermining holistic sustainability goals. Building materials release hazardous substances throughout their lifecycle, affecting indoor air quality, public health, and ecosystems. However, regulatory frameworks and LCA methodologies prioritise carbon emissions, leaving toxicity under-assessed and unregulated in most policies. Here, we show that persistent gaps in standardised toxicity data, inconsistent application of European (EU) taxonomy principles, and disparities in GPP criteria across member states hinder effective mitigation of toxicological risks. By analysing more than 150 studies and EU procurement practices, we demonstrate that only a few LCA studies integrate toxicity metrics and fewer than 10% of public projects align with the European principle of'Do not significantly harm'. Our findings reveal that harmonising toxicity thresholds in LCA databases, mandating quantitative criteria in GPP, and expanding circular economy strategies could bridge these gaps. This study establishes a direct link between material toxicity and regulatory fragmentation, advocating for policies that equally prioritise toxicity reduction and decarbonisation. These insights underscore the urgency of aligning EU sustainability frameworks with health-centric metrics, ensuring public investments foster safer, biocompatible materials. By redefining procurement standards and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, this work provides a roadmap for transforming construction practices, safeguarding both environmental integrity and human health.

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