Gesso como material de construção: uma análise de seus impactos desde a produção ao descarte

Abstract

Gypsum is a building material widely used today and one of the oldest binders known to man. The material is produced from the extraction and calcination of gypsum, an ore found in sedimentary soils. It is known that the construction sector is known as one of the largest generators of solid waste, a fact that is similar to the production and use of gypsum. During the extraction and calcination of gypsum, residues of particulate matter, disposal of material unsuitable for production and sterile material are generated. In the production of gypsum components, waste is comprised of boards damaged during handling or not approved by the quality process. Finally, in its application by civil construction, residues are produced due to the rapid hardening of gypsum paste or due to plasterboard cuts according to the modulation of the works. It can be said that all waste from gypsum has an environmental impact on the region where it is discarded. Gypsum, when improperly disposed of, has the potential to contaminate the soil and water table, in addition to developing chemical reactions that generate polluting and flammable gases. In this way, the disposal of gypsum waste is a matter of concern in the civil construction scenario and encourages studies to mitigate the generation of this waste. Solutions to the environmental impacts resulting from the production and use of gypsum are characterized by actions aimed at reducing the waste produced and by the new classification of the material as recyclable waste. The recycling process is still poorly structured in Brazil, but its development is necessary and viable as one of the solutions to mitigate the impacts of gypsum waste.