NonHazCity 1+2

Hazardous substances in our everyday life? We live in constant contact with them almost everywhere – no matter if through technical gadgets, packaging, laundry, furniture, cosmetics or clothes as well as on the job, in offices, hotels or in hair salons.

The NonHazCity (2016–2019) and NonHazCity 2 (2019–2021) projects supported municipalities across the Baltic Sea Region in reducing emissions of hazardous substances from urban areas and improving the protection of human health and the environment.

The projects focused on hazardous chemicals originating from households, public institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises. Together with municipalities, research organisations and environmental NGOs, the partnership developed practical approaches to reduce everyday chemical pollution and limit hazardous substances entering wastewater and the Baltic Sea.

A key achievement was the development and implementation of Municipal Chemical Action Plans, helping local authorities integrate chemicals management into long-term policies and administrative practices. In addition, the projects produced practical tools and guidance for municipalities, businesses and consumers, including recommendations for chemicals-smart public procurement, information on hazardous substances in food contact materials, and easy-to-use guidance for households and offices.

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Together, the two projects increased awareness of safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals, strengthened cooperation across the Baltic Sea Region and established a solid foundation for sustainable municipal chemicals management. Their results and experience paved the way for the follow-up project NonHazCity 3, which expanded the approach to the construction sector.