BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 - Construction Products: Assessment of Release of Dangerous Substances

In the modern world, where indoor air quality is becoming increasingly important, the BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 standard serves as a crucial tool for ensuring the safety and health of building occupants. This comprehensive standard provides a detailed methodology for the assessment of the release of dangerous substances from construction products into indoor air, ensuring that the materials used in construction do not compromise the air quality within buildings.

Key Features of the Standard

• Standard Number: BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020
• Pages: 64
• Released: August 5, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 539 04158 3
• Status: Standard

Comprehensive Assessment Methodology

The BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 standard outlines a robust framework for the determination of emissions from construction products. It provides detailed procedures for testing and evaluating the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful substances. This ensures that construction products meet stringent safety and environmental standards, protecting both the environment and human health.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air quality is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy living and working environment. Poor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and other long-term health effects. By adhering to the BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 standard, manufacturers and builders can ensure that their products contribute to a safe and healthy indoor environment.

Benefits of Using BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020

1. Enhanced Safety: By following the guidelines set out in this standard, construction products are rigorously tested to ensure they do not emit harmful substances, thereby enhancing the safety of indoor environments.

2. Compliance with Regulations: This standard helps manufacturers and builders comply with national and international regulations regarding indoor air quality, avoiding potential legal issues and ensuring market access.

3. Improved Marketability: Products that meet the BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 standard are more attractive to consumers who are increasingly concerned about health and environmental issues, thus improving marketability and consumer trust.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 standard is essential for a wide range of stakeholders in the construction industry, including:

• Manufacturers: To ensure their products are safe and compliant with air quality standards.
• Architects and Builders: To select materials that contribute to healthy indoor environments.
• Regulatory Bodies: To enforce compliance with air quality regulations.
• Environmental Consultants: To assess and advise on the environmental impact of construction products.

Conclusion

The BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the construction industry. By providing a clear and comprehensive methodology for assessing the release of dangerous substances into indoor air, it helps ensure that construction products are safe, compliant, and environmentally friendly. Investing in this standard is a proactive step towards safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of indoor environments.

BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020

This standard BS EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 Construction products: Assessment of release of dangerous substances. Determination of emissions into indoor air is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.040.20 Ambient atmospheres
• 91.100.01 Construction materials in general

This document specifies a horizontal reference method for the determination of emissions of regulated dangerous substances from construction products into indoor air. This method is applicable to volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, very volatile aldehydes and ammonia. It is based on the use of a test chamber and subsequent analysis of the organic compounds by GC-MS, HPLC, and for ammonia, subsequent analysis by spectrophotometric methods or any equivalent analytical methods (such as ion chromatography and ammonium specific electrode).

NOTE 1 Supplemental information is given on indirect test methods (see Annex B) and on measuring very volatile organic compounds (see Annex C).

NOTE 2 This European Standard describes the overall procedure and makes use of existing standards mainly by normative reference, complemented when necessary with additional or modified normative requirements.