Among the major sources of pollution are construction activities. These include demolition, land clearing, working with toxic materials, burning, and operation of diesel motors. There are huge amounts of dust produced from working on cement, silica, wood, and stone that can penetrate the lungs and cause a wide range of respiratory problems including cancer. 

In the long run, air pollution at construction site can have a negative impact on the health of not just the workers but also the people living close to the site. Studies reveal that more than 3 million people die yearly due to stroke or ischemic heart disease that is primarily caused by air pollution.  

How Construction Impacts the Environment

In the construction sector alone, there are 400 million tonnes of materials used in a year, and most of these can cause harm to the environment. When you extract raw materials and use them to construct homes or buildings, it will have an impact on the environment. 

Climate change is one of the impacts of construction. Construction activities can involve the use of various chemicals and produce carbon emissions. Not only carbon dioxide but methane and other waste products can cause air pollution at construction site. 

Heavy machinery used in mining projects to extract raw construction materials, is also one of the main contributors to global carbon dioxide emissions. Not to mention that mining also puts workers at risk of exposure to hazardous substances. 

When burned, diesel (the fuel used mostly in heavy machinery) produces carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. Regardless, diesel engines are highly favoured in the construction industry because they are highly efficient and durable.

However, a study shows that pollutant emissions from diesel engines can cause cancer. That is why companies today are implementing diesel engine exhaust emission standards to help minimise their adverse effects on people and the environment.

Different Pollution Types at a Construction Site

As a major source of pollution, the construction industry is responsible for approximately 4% of particulate emissions. Other than soil pollution, it can also cause: 

1. Water Pollution – Construction can produce various waste products and substances that can pollute natural water sources. There are oil and diesel, solvents, paints, cleaners, and many other harmful chemicals on top of the produced debris and dirt. These can run into natural waterways and may harm aquatic life. 

2. Noise Pollution –  Vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery produce loud noises, which can cause disturbance for people living nearby. For workers, industrial noise can also cause hearing loss and exacerbate stress. 

3. Air Pollution – PM10 is a type of construction dust that is invisible to the eye. It refers to particulate matter with less than 10 microns when measured in diameter and can penetrate deeply into your lungs. It has been found to cause a wide range of health issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and even cancer. 

Controlling Air Pollution at a Construction Site

If the construction sector continues to be environmentally conscious, air pollution can be controlled or minimised. Construction firms should take the initiative right now to study, create, and enforce standards that limit the environmental impact of their projects. The use of green building materials is one way to reduce air pollution at construction sites. 

In the case of diesel, there are diesel emission technologies in place to decrease the pollutants released in the atmosphere. That is why it is important to choose a company that has a reliable and low maintenance solution to manage diesel emission in underground or enclosed spaces. They should have a continuous emission monitoring system to keep track of the emissions they produce. 

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