The object of this thesis is to study the health risks of harmful substances in construction materials. The study focuses mostly on materials that were used between the years of 1950 to 1980 and were later found to be harmful.

The materials that were selected for the thesis are PAH compounds, PCB compounds, asbestos, lead and other heavy metals. These materials have all been used in the time period used in the thesis before the health risks of the materials were actually noticed.

The aim of the study is to familiarize readers to the selected materials by gathering a small information pack on them. It contains general information on the materials and how they can affect a person’s health. The thesis also features regulations and limits for the substances.