How the construction industry impacts human health
Increasing awareness of environmental sustainability has transformed the construction industry in recent years. Increasingly, eco-friendly practices, energy-efficient designs, and green building materials are being promoted. A critical aspect of energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints remains under-addressed, however: the impact of building materials on human health. The potential impact of paints, coatings, concrete, and bricks on those exposed to them is often overlooked in discussions about their potential harmful effects.
People are often unaware of the harmful substances contained in paint, one of the most common building materials. It is well known that traditional paints, especially oil-based varieties, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At room temperature, VOCs can cause a wide range of health issues, from eye irritation to headaches to more severe conditions like liver damage and cancer. There is no doubt that lead is one of the most notorious chemicals used in paints, which has been used in interior and exterior paints for centuries. It is still possible for children to ingest lead dust or chips from walls that are decaying, even though lead-based paints were banned in many countries decades ago.
In addition, modern paints, while generally free of lead, still pose a risk. Formaldehyde and phthalates, which are associated with reproductive health issues, are often found in many of these products. It is important to remember that even low-VOC paints, marketed as "safer," can still release harmful chemicals over time, particularly when they are exposed to heat and humidity. Painters, especially those who work with such materials on a daily basis, are therefore at risk. However, toxic fumes can be inhaled for days or even weeks after the job is completed, not just by professional workers. In order to solve these health risks, greener alternatives must be developed. Paints based on water are safer than paints based on oil, for example. Their lower levels of VOCs and fewer harmful chemicals make them less toxic and environmentally friendly.
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There has been a growth in innovation in non-toxic, biodegradable paints and coatings due to the demand for eco-friendly products. In addition to concrete, another ubiquitous building material that has significant respiratory health implications relates to the mixing and cutting of it. Working with concrete creates fine particles of silica dust, especially when cutting or grinding. The substance, known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS), is hazardous if it is inhaled. Silica dust exposure can cause debilitating and potentially fatal lung disease known as silicosis. In particular, construction workers who are constantly exposed to concrete, stone, and brick dust are at risk for silicosis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Other respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, have also been linked to exposure to silica dust. In addition, dust particles can remain suspended in the air for hours, posing a risk not only to construction workers, but also to residents living near construction sites. Pollution caused by concrete is also a major issue. However, the production of concrete is highly energy-intensive and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The growing movement towards sustainable building practices has seen some promising alternatives to traditional concrete, including low-carbon concrete made with recycled materials or carbon capture technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the construction process.
Health risks associated with bricks
Though bricks are often thought of as a durable and safe building material, there are health risks associated with them as well. Brick production, especially fireproof bricks, once used as an additive, is among the most concerning aspects. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled into the lungs when disturbed, causing asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Most countries have heavily regulated asbestos use, but older buildings may still contain asbestos-containing bricks. It is possible for asbestos fibers to be released into the air during the demolition or renovation of these structures. Additionally, brick firing itself can contribute to poor air quality. Generally, brick kilns do not have proper ventilation or emission controls, causing large amounts of particulates and harmful gases like sulfur dioxide (SO2) to be released into the atmosphere. A variety of respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases, can result from inhaling such pollutants. In light of environmental sustainability, the construction industry has increasingly focused on the health impacts of its materials. Traditional building materials are increasingly being replaced with natural, non-toxic alternatives.
In recent years, hempcrete - a mixture of hemp, lime, and water - has gained a lot of attention as a sustainable and non-toxic building material. It is highly breathable, naturally pest-resistant, and excellently insulating. As an alternative to hardwood flooring and insulation, cork can be harvested sustainably from cork oak trees. In terms of indoor air quality, cork is excellent because it is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. It is also encouraging to see bioplastics and recycled materials being used in construction. In some eco-friendly construction projects, recycled plastic bricks made from ocean waste are being used instead of traditional bricks. Additionally, these materials reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment and mitigate the environmental damage caused by traditional brick production.
Health risks posed by building materials are driving a shift toward safer, more sustainable alternatives. Despite traditional materials like paint, concrete, and bricks being linked to a range of health problems, innovations in the industry are starting to provide better, non-toxic alternatives. It is still necessary to do much more. Human health must be prioritized by building and renovating homes and buildings with environmentally friendly and safe materials. There will probably be even more developments in this field in the coming years, as public demand for healthier homes and workplaces increases. Our well-being can be improved through continued research and innovation in the construction industry.
Dr Sajal Chowdhury is an architect, educator at the Department of Architecture, CUET and researcher focusing on Environmental Experience Design, Architectural Science and Well-being.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
