The effects of particles from construction activity: analysis of data from a construction site in Cardiff.

Airborne particulate matter is an important form of pollution, which has generated increasing concern in recent years. As well as contributing to poor visibility and surface soiling, airborne particulate matter can have adverse effects on human health. Construction and other civil engineering sites have been perennial sources of nuisance dust (that is, dust deposited on surfaces and generating complaint). However, there is currently no formal advice or Code of Practice for regulating the emission of particles from construction activity. One of the main reasons for this is that there is no published data from detailed particle monitoring of a construction process on which to base the Codes. However, one dataset of PM10 measurements from the UK Automatic Monitoring Network has been identified which relates to construction process on a site in Cardiff during 1994. This has been analysed here in relation to the various phases of the construction process and the weather pattern (especially wind speed and direction). The study has found sufficient correlation between the high particle concentrations from the site and the phases of the construction to indicate that the construction process was, on the balance of probabilities, the source of these. However, the evidence is not unequivocal. It appears that the highest particle concentrations were associated with stronger winds, the working day and the phase of the construction, especially the wall construction and internaV external finishing phases. The report is part of a project whose longer term aim is to provide technical advice to and develop Codes of Practice for the DETR and industry on reducing particle emissions from construction activity.