OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN UTILIZATION OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIO-POZZOLANS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Lignocellulosic bio-pozzolans (LBPs) are either produced by open-air incineration or as industrial byproducts and can be used for soil stabilization and in making concrete for road construction. The preparation of the LPBs involves the collection of raw materials/wastes, drying, incineration, grinding, and sieving to a required size before utilization for construction works or products. The finer the LBPs, the more reactive they become, and the higher the potential binding properties. Coarse LBPs are less reactive; and therefore, exhibit low binding properties with reactions. Very fine LBPs are essentially nanomaterials and can be an occupational health and safety hazard to workers handling these materials. In this review, the LBPs production process was briefly clarified, and potential hazards and risks were investigated. Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂), the main chemical compound present in LBPs, was noted to potentially have a significant health hazard to humans. SiO₂ exposure is reported to induce deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) destruction. This study recommends an airborne exposure limit of 2mg/m³ for LBPs, and the ACGIH exposure limit recommendation for SiO₂.