When you start your construction project, soil contaminants are the last thing you will probably think of. This should not be the case. Soil contaminants cause significant health hazards to your workers and other people passing through the site. In most cases, exposure to hazards happens through ingestion, skin contact (dermal exposure) or inhalation of tiny airborne soil particles. The mechanism of exposure will vary depending on the nature of the soil, the level of excavation carried out on the site and the type of contaminant involved in each case. There are many sources of contaminants in the soil, and you need to be aware of them when carrying out construction projects. Here they are:
Lead-based Paints
Lead is a heavy metal known to pollute soils and make them unsafe for use. Lead is introduced into the soil through lead-based paint used on old buildings. As years go by, lead-based paint ages and starts to peel, disintegrating into small particles that gradually synchronise with the surrounding soil particles. Additionally, construction activities such as sandblasting, scrapping and stripping can lead to the introduction of lead contaminants in the soil.
Even though most countries have banned the use of lead paint during construction, demolition of old buildings set up during the seventies, eighties and early nighties in some locations can contaminate the soil with lead-based paint. If you want to bring down an old building, talk to your local authority building officer to find out the year that the building was set up. This will help you take the necessary measures to prevent soil contamination.
Petroleum Spillage
The spillage of fossil fuels into the soil during construction is another source of contamination for soils. Leaking fuels from machines and heavy equipment on the site and leakages from nearby fuel stations and pipelines add up to the sources of fuel contaminants. Leakages from underground fuel tanks can find its way to the upper layers of the soil in the form of vapour. Prolonged inhalation of this vapour during excavation can cause respiratory problems among your workers. Additionally, fuel based contaminants elevate the risk of a fire outbreak in the construction site.
Treated Lumber
Treated lumber can be used to build decks, fences, gates and other structures on the construction site. Their prolonged contact with the soil introduces contaminants in the soil because pressure treated timber uses hazardous chemicals. The timber introduces arsenic such as chromated copper arsenate, which must be handled with care in its volatile form.
Considering the dangers posed by contaminants in the soil, you should hire a professional for contaminated soil removal before proceeding with construction and excavation.
