THE EFFECT OF CHOICE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ON THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Construction Materials are one of the determinants of the quality and strength of a building. The types of buildings coupled with other factors determine the condition of the environment, while the condition of the environment determines the health condition of people in that area. Therefore, wrong choice of material can be hazardous to health. Research has shown that choice of asbestos material for instance, as a roof covering over some years exposes the fibre to dust and as a result causes Asbestosis – a disease of the lungs which develops to cancer. This paper attempts to discuss and proffer ways of reducing the effect of construction activities on the environment through the right choice of materials specification by the architect. It also highlights the effects of wrong choice and its implication. It concludes by advocating that clients should not insist on the use of certain materials of which they have little or no knowledge about.