Advice on construction products

Look for warning labels, follow the instructions on the product packaging and follow the recommendations that apply to different construction processes. This reduces the risk that you, your surroundings or the environment will be harmed as a result of construction and renovating.

  • Look for the warning label and read the instructions on the packaging so that you know how to handle the products safely.
  • Follow the recommendations for the different construction products. For example, you should follow the recommended drying times for the product. If you apply a new construction product so that it comes into direct contact with another construction product that has not had time to dry properly, there may be chemical reactions between the two construction products that otherwise would not have taken place. Then, hazardous chemical substances can be released into the air that would not have been formed if the first construction product had been allowed to dry properly before applying the second.
  • Ventilate thoroughly and wait a few days before moving into a newly renovated space.
  • Do not allow children to play in these spaces and in the same area that you are renovating.
  • Keep chemical products that you will use during the renovation out of the reach and sight of children.
  • In order to find products that are as chemical-smart as possible, you can look for positive ecolabels, for example, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, when choosing your products.
  • There are also special health and environmental assessment systems for the construction products sector, such as the Swedish BASTA, Byggvarubedömningen and SundaHus, but these systems are not free of charge.
  • You have the right to receive information about construction products, such as floors, wallpaper, mouldings, ceilings, electrical outlets, cables, carpets and kitchen fittings, which contain any of the substances of very high concern that are on the EU’s so-called Candidate List. Read mote about your right to information.
Last published 22 September 2022