Brian Barton
Construction activities contribute to air pollution through various means, including the use of diesel-powered machinery and vehicles, the movement and handling of construction materials, demolition work, and the release of harmful chemicals. The burning of fossil fuels and the use of hazardous substances like paints, glues, and plastics also play a role in emitting pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, construction projects can disturb and expose existing subsurface pollution, leading to further contamination. The scale and duration of construction activities significantly impact the level of air pollution generated, with large-scale and long-term projects having more significant effects on the environment and surrounding communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Construction machinery and vehicles | Diesel fuel is used to power construction machinery and vehicles, which releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. |
| Demolition work | Demolition of buildings and earthworks activities like excavation and piling can generate dust and air pollution. |
| Movement of machinery and transport of construction materials | The movement of machinery and the transport of construction materials can contribute to higher pollution levels, especially in the case of particulate matter. |
| Use of hazardous chemicals | Emissions from hazardous chemicals like paints, glues, oils, thinners, plastics, and cement can contribute to air pollution at construction sites. |
| Burning of fossil fuels | The construction process requires the burning of fossil fuels, which produces greenhouse gases and harms the environment. |
| Energy use | Newly constructed buildings use energy, which can add to the negative impact on the environment. |
| Harm to wildlife | During construction, clearing vegetation and excavating can destroy wildlife and habitats. |
| Asbestos | Asbestos-containing materials that are not properly contained during construction can become released into the air and cause significant damage to human health. |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | VOCs are emitted gases that are harmful on their own and can react with other gases in the air to form dangerous pollutants. Common VOCs include benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. |
| Particulate matter | Particulate matter is one of the most harmful emissions from construction sites due to its microscopic size. These particles can contribute significantly to air pollution and can contain sulfates and silicates. |
What You'll Learn
Diesel-powered construction machinery and vehicles
Diesel-powered engines are a major contributor to air pollution in the construction industry. Diesel fuel releases a number of pollutants into the air, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. These emissions are detrimental to both human health and the environment. Diesel-powered construction equipment is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions and exhaust emissions during large-scale infrastructure projects. The extended operation of diesel machinery on such projects further exacerbates pollution levels.
Diesel engines are prevalent in construction, powering vehicles and heavy machinery such as breakers, bulldozers, dumpers, and excavators. The use of diesel engines is often necessary to provide the power required for construction activities. However, the emissions from these engines negatively impact the health of those working on and living near construction sites. This issue is compounded by the fact that construction machinery is not regulated by governments to the same degree as other vehicles, such as passenger cars.
The age of diesel engines is also a significant factor. Older diesel engines, which are not subject to emissions standards for newer engines, can remain in operation for 30 years or more. As a result, they continue to emit harmful pollutants over an extended period. To address this concern, organizations like the US EPA's Clean Agriculture initiative offer funding for projects that aim to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines. Strategies such as idle-reduction practices are promoted to decrease emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce operating costs.
To minimize the negative impacts of diesel-powered construction machinery, project owners and managers play a crucial role. Implementing a comprehensive Diesel Emission Reduction policy is essential to protect the health of on-site personnel and maintain good community relations. This includes incorporating emission reduction specifications and performance standards into construction contracts. Additionally, the electrification of construction machinery is gaining momentum, with the increasing availability of low- and zero-emission equipment, such as battery-powered alternatives. These electric options contribute less to noise pollution and release zero greenhouse gas emissions, making them a promising solution for reducing construction's environmental footprint.
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Demolition work
Demolition activities can also lead to the release of other hazardous substances and pollutants. For example, the demolition of certain building materials can expose individuals to asbestos, lead, mould, bird waste, and other respiratory irritants. Asbestos, in particular, can remain in the air for extended periods and be carried by wind to contaminate areas away from the original source, posing significant health risks. Additionally, the use of diesel-powered equipment and vehicles during demolition work can emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, further contributing to air pollution.
The impact of demolition-related air pollution can be far-reaching. It can affect local communities and inhabited areas near the construction site, as well as alter the quality of water resources and disrupt the ecological balance by impacting vegetation and animal species. To mitigate these issues, real-time air quality monitoring is essential. Deploying sensors to measure pollutants such as CO, NO2, SO2, O3, and PM particles can help track the environmental impact and ensure compliance with regulations.
While the air quality issues associated with demolition work are temporary, it is crucial to implement measures that reduce inconvenience and potential health risks to nearby citizens. This includes adopting good practices, such as providing transparent information about air quality and taking steps to minimise dust, noise, and emissions. By being proactive and monitoring air quality in real time, construction supervisors and field engineers can significantly reduce the negative impact of demolition work on air pollution.
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Movement of machinery
The movement of machinery is a significant contributor to air pollution in construction. Machinery on construction sites generates noise, dust, and gases such as NOx or CO. Diesel-powered equipment, in particular, releases pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. These diesel engines are found in vehicles and heavy machinery like breakers, bulldozers, dumpers, excavators, and generators. The extended use of such machinery on large-scale construction projects exacerbates the problem, creating more pollution.
Additionally, the circulation and movement of this machinery disturb settled dust, putting it back into the air through activities like demolition, loading, and unloading of materials. This dust contains particulate matter, with small particles of construction dust from cement, concrete, silica, and wood, which contribute significantly to air pollution.
The impact of machinery on air pollution is further compounded by the lack of stringent government regulations. Site plant machinery, or non-road mobile machines (NRMMs), are not subject to the same emission regulations as cars, buses, and lorries, which has allowed their emissions to go largely unchecked.
To mitigate the air pollution caused by the movement of machinery, construction companies can adopt several strategies. One approach is to prioritize the use of more efficient and sustainable machinery and vehicles, such as those powered by electric motors. This shift can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to a greener construction industry.
Furthermore, implementing real-time air quality monitoring systems can help construction sites proactively manage their environmental impact. By tracking parameters like dust levels, construction supervisors can deploy measures such as water spraying, dust barriers, and the provision of PPE and masks to minimize the escape of dust and other pollutants.
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Asbestos-containing materials
Asbestos is a mineral fibre that occurs naturally in rock and soil. It is lightweight, fire-resistant, and strong, making it a desirable material for construction and thermal insulation until about 1979. Asbestos was used in a wide range of manufactured goods, from roofing sealant and tile cement to vinyl asbestos floor tiles and asphalt roofing shingles.
However, when asbestos is broken or crushed, or disturbed through activities like cutting or sanding, it becomes airborne and can remain in the air for extended periods. This can lead to the inhalation of asbestos fibres, causing significant damage to human health.
Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM) is defined as any material containing more than 1% asbestos that is friable, meaning it can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Examples of RACM include spray acoustic ceilings, acoustic tiles, duct wrap, and wallboard. If asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed during renovation or repair work, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor should be hired to safely and legally remove the material.
The removal of asbestos-containing materials during construction or renovation work can result in air pollution if not properly managed. For instance, during the removal of asbestos-containing boards, the use of PE foil to separate the work area did not prevent the spread of asbestos fibres, which could migrate both inside and outside the facility. Similarly, during the demolition of a football stadium in Madrid, the lack of negative pressure in the work zones resulted in increased air pollution with asbestos fibres, affecting both indoor and outdoor air quality.
To minimize the impact of asbestos on air pollution during construction, it is crucial to follow recommended practices. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, the Air Pollution Control District recommends leaving them undisturbed to avoid potential fibre release. In cases where asbestos-containing materials need to be removed, it is essential to hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor who can ensure compliance with legal requirements and utilize appropriate techniques and equipment to safely manage and dispose of asbestos.
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Volatile organic compounds
VOCs are released from building materials such as glues, solvents, varnishes, sealants, and wood panels. These chemicals can be released in the form of gases during the months or years after manufacturing. They are also emitted from new carpets, scented candles, cleaning supplies, paints, and gas fumes.
The inhalation of VOCs can cause a range of health problems depending on their specific chemical composition and toxicity. Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose, or throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and exacerbated asthma symptoms. Long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to an increased risk of liver damage, kidney damage, and damage to the central nervous system.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States uses a scoring metric called "TEAM" (Total Exposure Assessment Methodology) to test and regulate the emission of VOCs. The EPA has set limits on public exposure to VOCs and recommends the use of less harmful products and building materials during construction and renovations.
Adequate VOC emission testing is necessary to improve environmental and health outcomes. Construction professionals are increasingly being asked to take precautions and seek out environmental air quality solutions to reduce the harmful impact of VOCs and other construction-related air pollutants.
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Frequently asked questions
The main causes of air pollution from construction sites are the use of diesel engines, the movement of machinery, and the transport of construction materials. Diesel engines release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into the air. Other machines like land clearing and demolition equipment also contribute to air pollution by generating high levels of dust.
Specific examples of air pollutants from construction sites include particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos, and greenhouse gases. Particulate matter refers to microscopic solid or liquid substances suspended in the air, which can include dust from cement, concrete, silica, and wood. VOCs, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, are emitted gases that are harmful on their own and can also react with other gases to form dangerous pollutants.
The scale of construction is a significant factor in determining the amount of air pollution produced. Large-scale construction projects, particularly those involving extended periods of equipment usage, tend to generate more pollution. Additionally, the proximity of construction sites to homes can result in higher levels of air pollution exposure for residents.
