Assessing air pollution emission from construction project activities

Construction projects contribute to economic activities, leading to multiplier effects that boost an economy. Nevertheless, construction activities have contributed to increasing air pollution emissions, leading to challenges for the site workers and residents dwelling around the construction site. This paper provides a systematic literature review on the types of air pollutants emitted during construction project processes, the air emission sources, and the effects of air pollution on exposed individuals. Various secondary sources of data were used, published from 2000 to 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and systematic literature review were used in the literature selection. This study established that the most predominant air pollutant of concern released during construction project activities is particulate matter. Other air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, were also identified. The main sources of air pollution from construction project processes were demolition works, quarry sites, machinery/equipment, and on-road traffic. It is essential for construction industry stakeholders to be conscious of air pollution effects caused by construction processes and to proffer solutions to curtail this menace. This will assist in reducing the devastating air pollution effect on people and ensure sustainable construction processes.