TS EN 16687

TS EN 16687 is a terminology standard that harmonises the technical language used for assessing the release of, and the content of, dangerous substances in and from construction products. Rather than prescribing a test method, it brings consistency to the terms used for products, sampling, sample preparation, test procedures, and test results so that technical discussions and reporting can use the same definitions.

How the terminology is organised

The scope groups terms related to products and substances, together with terms for sampling and sample preparation. It also covers concepts used in different receiving environments: general use, soil, groundwater and surface water, and indoor air. A further group addresses test procedures and test results, including general test terminology, environmental water contexts, indoor air, and radiation. This organisation reflects how release assessment is typically discussed across laboratory work, environmental evaluation and reporting.

Why this vocabulary matters for construction products

In the construction sector, the issue is not only whether a substance is present, but how it may be released during use and what medium it may affect. In general technical terms, release assessment depends on clearly distinguishing between material content, emission or leaching behaviour, sampling conditions and measured outcomes. By standardising the vocabulary, this document helps align terminology across product evaluation, environmental context and test documentation.

This publication is an alphabetical terminology reference. It supports consistent naming and classification in the field of dangerous-substance release assessment, but it should not be read as a standalone test specification or acceptance-criteria document.