Environmental and Public Health Challenges of Phases Towards Cement Production, Remediation Monitoring and Evaluation Strategies

Abstract

Cement production plays a pivotal role in global construction, contributing significantly to economic development. However, the industry  is also a major source of environmental pollution, responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions, alongside substantial  impacts on air quality, water resources, and biodiversity. This review examines the environmental impacts of cement production across  three key phases: construction, operational, and postoperational. The construction phase is marked by land degradation, habitat  destruction, and dust emissions, while the operational phase results in issues such as high CO₂ emissions, water contamination, solid  waste generation, and high energy consumption. In the postoperational phase, issues related to biodiversity restoration and land  reclamation persist. This review explores current strategies and technological innovations aimed at mitigating these impacts, such as  carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), lowcarbon cement alternatives, energy-efficient kilns, and the use of waste materials in production. Furthermore, the integration of circular economy principles and the adoption of digital monitoring systems are highlighted as promising solutions for reducing the environmental footprint of cement production. This review also underscores the need for sustainable practices and collaboration among stakeholders to address the environmental and public health challenges posed by the  cement industry. The authors recommend the scaling up of innovative technologies, improved resource management, and stricter  regulatory frameworks to achieve a more sustainable cement industry.