A review of hazardous compounds present in construction waste materials

Abstract

Construction industry around the world is well-known as a massive contributor of waste materials and environmental impacts. Among the types of waste materials generated by this industry are concrete, plastic, wood, ceramic, and asbestos. These waste materials, in general, are chemically fused through various manufacturing processes before being transported for the construction usage. Addition of chemical compounds such as arsenic, copper, cyanide, nickel, chromium, lead, sulphate, and zinc are mainly for enhancing the mechanical and physical properties of the materials so that the materials could last longer, perform well and withstand external forces. However, construction materials that are made up of these chemical compounds are threatening the nature and human beings once the materials are used up and the leftover from the construction industry are thrown away without proper waste management practice. The aim of the study was to review hazardous compounds presented in construction waste materials and suggest ways to manage it effectively. The methodology is literature review, data collection from published articles, and data analysis. Findings from this study showed that concrete, plastic, wood, ceramic, and asbestos are among the waste materials that are made up of hazardous compounds, which impact the environment and mankind living today. As a mitigation measure, a proper waste management practice is necessary among the construction practitioners to protect humans and biological factors, save some landfill spaces, preserve some natural resources, prevent soil and underground water channel contamination, avoiding illegal dumping activities, and promotes sustainability factors. Obeying the enforced rules and regulations, utilisation of various waste management technologies, on-site waste segregation and proper storage, waste substitutions, and making use of well-structured framework developed by researchers and construction consultancy are among the methods that can be adopted in polishing the current waste management practice.