ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the potential industrial hygiene ramifications associated with today's construction work. It helps to identify industrial hygiene applications encountered in the construction industry, and present potential mechanisms to protect the construction work population from potential exposures. A fire-proofing agent will be applied to steel beams and decking to increase the overall fire rating for the materials. Carpet and floor tiles are utilized as a decorative touch to cover flooring and improve overall structure aesthetics. The adhesive utilized to affix these materials to the substrate often contains VOCs. The hazardous waste and remediation industry has evolved from its inception in the late 1970s, early 1980s, to become a multibillion dollar industry. Asbestos is one of the most widely regulated workplace contaminants in the United States because of its demonstrated carcinogenic potential, having regulatory coverage by OSHA, the US EPA, and a myriad of state and local requirements that include licensing, disposal, notification, and other elements.
