Project Abstract

Abstract
Construction and demolition (C&D) landfills play a crucial role in managing waste generated from various construction and demolition activities. While these landfills are essential for waste disposal, they also pose significant challenges in terms of their impact on public and occupational health. This research project aims to explore the emerging public and occupational health issues associated with C&D landfills. The improper disposal of construction and demolition waste in landfills can lead to various environmental and health hazards. These landfills often contain a diverse range of materials, including concrete, wood, metals, plastics, and other potentially hazardous substances. As these materials degrade over time, they can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the surrounding environment, contaminating soil, water, and air. One of the primary concerns related to C&D landfills is the potential for the release of toxic substances such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and asbestos fibers. These substances can pose serious health risks to both the public and workers involved in landfill operations. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, neurological disorders, and even an increased risk of cancer. In addition to the direct health risks associated with exposure to landfill pollutants, there are also indirect health impacts that can affect nearby communities. The presence of C&D landfills can contribute to air and water pollution, leading to a deterioration in air quality and potential contamination of drinking water sources. These environmental factors can have far-reaching consequences for public health, including an increased incidence of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues. Furthermore, the occupational health risks faced by workers at C&D landfills cannot be overlooked. Employees involved in landfill operations are exposed to various hazards, including physical injuries, exposure to harmful substances, and risks associated with heavy machinery and equipment. Proper safety measures and training programs are essential to protect the health and well-being of these workers and minimize the risks associated with their work environment. Overall, this research project seeks to shed light on the emerging public and occupational health issues related to construction and demolition landfills. By understanding these challenges and implementing effective mitigation strategies, it is possible to minimize the adverse health impacts associated with C&D waste disposal and create a safer environment for both workers and the general public.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Historically, construction and demolition (C&D) debris landfills have been considered nonhazardous operations, containing relatively inert wastes such as concrete, asphalt, wood, metals, gypsum drywall, and roofing materials.

In recent years, however, it has become increasingly clear that emissions resulting from the decomposition of gypsum drywall and organic debris are a public health issue. Drywall, comprised of gypsum (CaSO4 •2H2 O), breaks down into hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds under anaerobic conditions and in the presence of water.

Overall, the good news is that C&D landfills are not known for being particularly dangerous to human health, though certainly they do come with their risks (Colledge & Wilder 2011). In each of the case studies from New York, Wisconsin and Virginia (mentioned above) where a C&D landfill was identified to pose potential health risks to the community, there were problems with the ENST 698, fall 2011 facilities that could have been prevented or fixed (United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste .