Following the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes that plunged our country into mourning, debris removal has begun in 11 provinces. Experts, emphasizing that debris, which carries significant risks for human and environmental health, must be removed properly, stated that the debris should first be moved to temporary storage areas, then separated and processed according to its characteristics and risk levels. Experts also stated that dust generated during debris removal can pose many health hazards, and recommended spraying during the excavation phase and wearing masks, as a significant portion of carcinogenic and hazardous materials will be carried through the respiratory tract during debris removal.
Spraying should be done, masks should be used!
Dr. Lecturer Ahmet Adiller from the Environmental Health Program at Üsküdar University's Vocational School of Health Services made an assessment regarding the proper disposal of debris in the earthquake zone, suitable for human and environmental health.
Debris waste amount is very high
Dr. Ahmet Adiller noted that the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, which deeply shook our country, directly affected many of our provinces and over 13 million people living in these provinces, stating: “Re-establishing life in the provinces highly affected by the earthquake is among the primary ultimate goals. To achieve this goal, the removal of waste from demolished structures in the affected residential areas constitutes the first step. Considering the intensity of the earthquake, the area it spread across, and the number of collapsed buildings, a very large amount of debris waste is expected to require processing.”
Temporary storage area should be created
Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that these wastes should first be taken to temporary storage areas, saying: “These wastes can also be processed in existing recycling and disposal facilities. However, processing waste of this magnitude for recycling and disposing of the non-recyclable portion might impose a load higher than the capacity of existing facilities. Therefore, debris waste should be moved to a temporary storage area to be established as an alternative, instead of these facilities.”
Temporary storage areas should be far from water resources
Dr. Ahmet Adiller also drew attention to the characteristics that temporary storage areas should possess, stating: “This area should not contain regional water sources, should be easily accessible by road, not be located on a fault line, and have a solid ground. After determining this area and particularly completing the necessary preliminary preparations for the ground, the debris must be rapidly transported to this area. Because every day the debris is not removed, the decomposition of organic matter remaining within the debris creates an environmental health risk, and this health risk threatens our citizens and living beings in the region.” he warned.
Asbestos risk exists in old structures
Dr. Ahmet Adiller noted that construction debris or excavation waste are currently considered wastes with low environmental risk factors, known as inert waste, but stated: “However, many building materials produced in the past contain substances harmful to environmental and human health, such as asbestos. Furthermore, structures demolished as a result of disasters like earthquakes may contain many hazardous materials that were not used as raw materials but were stored within them.”
The purpose of the structure's use should also be known
Therefore, Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that the purpose of use of the demolished structure should be known, and debris removal efforts should be carried out accordingly, adding: “Moreover, even dust spread during debris removal, even if it does not contain any carcinogenic or hazardous substances, is still quite harmful to human health.”
Spraying should be done, masks should be used
Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that the dust generated during debris removal can also create many health hazards, and added: “Furthermore, as a significant portion of carcinogenic and hazardous materials will be carried through the respiratory tract during debris removal, airborne dust will also contribute to the transport of these substances. Therefore, spraying and mask usage during debris removal, which are also performed during the excavation phase of constructions today, will minimize dust dispersion and protect human and animal health.” he advised.
Wastes should be separated according to their characteristics and risk levels
Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that after the debris is removed and transported to a temporary storage facility, these wastes should be separated according to their characteristics and risk levels, and said: “A large portion of construction demolition waste is recyclable and reusable. However, many hazardous substances or wastes might be mixed with or contaminated these wastes. Therefore, a detailed examination and good planning are crucial for the collection and processing of waste in the earthquake zone.”