Building-Related Contaminants

Building-Related Contaminants

A significant portion of the German building stock was constructed or renovated in the post-war period using materials that are now considered hazardous to human health and the environment. It was not until the 1970s that awareness grew regarding the harmful effects of many of these materials on humans and the environment. By that time, however, they had already been widely used in both interior and exterior building applications. As a result, risks for property owners, occupants, and technical personnel still exist today, both in terms of health and economic impact.

Investigation, analysis, and expert assessment from a single source

The Hygiene Institute of the Ruhr Area supports you with all questions relating to building contaminants, from sampling to remediation.
Our qualified and experienced specialists can carry out proper sampling on request or compile a comprehensive contaminant register for your building. The assessment of identified contaminants is carried out taking into account the specific context, analytical results , and the currently applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines (e.g. Asbestos, PCB, and PCP guidelines).

Accredited analysis and individual assessment

Our accredited analytical services cover typical building contaminants such as asbestos and synthetic mineral fibres (MMF), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and various wood preservatives such as pentachlorophenol (PCP).

In addition, we are happy to analyze your solid or air samples for further parameters upon request. Our qualified staff will be pleased to advise you and define a scope of analysis tailored to your specific requirements.

We are happy to offer our clients the option to submit sample material. Please use our order form for material samples. Please ensure that samples are securely packaged for shipping. Personal delivery of sample material is also possible during business hours; outside of these hours, samples can be deposited in our sample drop box. If required, our qualified field staff are also available for on-site assessments and safe sampling.

Our specialist areas within the Department of Environmental and Consumer Protection

Discover our specialized services in the analysis of wastewater, asbestos, mining hygiene, and other areas. Learn more about our solutions for a safe and healthy environment.

Wastewater Analytics

Wastewater Analytics

Untersuchung von Abwasserproben auf chemische und mikrobiologische Parameter zur Überwachung und Einhaltung gesetzlicher Vorgaben.
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Asbestos Testing and Analysis

Asbestos Testing and Analysis

Analyse von Materialien auf Asbestfasern zur Identifizierung und Bewertung potenzieller Gesundheitsrisiken in Gebäuden.
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All Services at a Glance

Environmental Microbiology and Water Hygiene

Environmental Microbiology and Water Hygiene

Analyse wasserführender Anlagen mit Fokus auf Belastungen und Legionellenprävention.
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Microbiological Materials and Hygiene Testing

Microbiological Materials and Hygiene Testing

Prüfung von Materialien auf mikrobiologische Sicherheit für hygienische Anwendungen.
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Water Hygiene Material Testing

Water Hygiene Material Testing

Tests von Werkstoffen im Trinkwasserkontakt zur Sicherung der Wasserqualität.
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Hygienic Building Systems and Services

Hygienic Building Systems and Services

Bewertung technischer Anlagen wie Lüftungssysteme zur Sicherung der Hygiene.
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Limnology

Limnology

Untersuchung von Binnengewässern zur Analyse ökologischer und chemischer Qualität.
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Environmental Protection and Consumer Safety

Environmental Protection and Consumer Safety

Schadstoffprüfungen in Wasser, Luft und Boden zum Schutz von Mensch und Umwelt.
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Central Analytical Services

Central Analytical Services

Analysen von Wasser, Luft und Materialien zur Sicherstellung chemischer und hygienischer Qualität.
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Certification Body HyCert

Certification Body HyCert

Zertifizieren Sie Ihre Trinkwasserprodukte mit HyCert – akkreditiert, erfahren und persönlich begleitet.
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