Shandong Factory Waste Enters Jiangsu: Frequent Use of Nickel Slag in Lianyungang Concrete Raises Safety Concerns

Shandong Factory Waste Enters Jiangsu: Frequent Use of Nickel Slag in Lianyungang Concrete Raises Safety ConcernsThe addition of nickel slag to concrete is not unknown in the construction industry. With accelerating urbanization and dwindling natural sand resources, relatively inexpensive nickel slag is increasingly used as a substitute

Shandong Factory Waste Enters Jiangsu: Frequent Use of Nickel Slag in Lianyungang Concrete Raises Safety Concerns

The addition of nickel slag to concrete is not unknown in the construction industry. With accelerating urbanization and dwindling natural sand resources, relatively inexpensive nickel slag is increasingly used as a substitute. However, its widespread application raises concerns about construction safety and environmental protection. This article delves into the current status of nickel slag use in concrete, its potential risks, and relevant regulatory measures.

Nickel slag is not a necessary additive in concrete; its usage typically does not exceed 5%. Its primary function is to enhance concrete's hardness, strength, compressive performance, and corrosion resistance. Rich in nickel and various other metallic elements, it stabilizes the concrete's internal structure and blocks the intrusion of corrosive substances like acids and alkalis, thus extending its lifespan. However, problems during construction or improper proportions of nickel slag can lead to rework.

Recently, news of a Shandong factory's large-scale discharge of waste into Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, has drawn public attention. Shandong Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd., a stainless steel manufacturer using lateritic nickel ore, reportedly produces 5,000-6,000 tons of industrial waste daily, most of which is transported to Lianyungang. This waste is processed into nickel slag in Lianyungang and supplied to local concrete mixing plants. Lianyungang was chosen due to its relatively lax regulations on nickel slag use, while its use has been banned in Linyi, Shandong. The underlying reason is cost advantage: even considering processing and transportation, nickel slag remains approximately 20 yuan cheaper per cubic meter than natural sand. Multiple concrete mixing plants in Lianyungang confirmed the widespread use of nickel slag in residential and industrial wharf construction.

Although the Lianyungang Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau issued a document prohibiting the use of nickel slag and steel slag in concrete production, it doesn't explicitly ban nickel slag processed according to technical standards. Bureau staff stated that while nickel slag use is discouraged, only Xuzhou and Huaiyin have explicitly banned it. This regulatory ambiguity makes effective control of nickel slag use in Lianyungang difficult.

However, experts point out the long-term risk of heavy metal leaching from nickel slag. The gradual release of heavy metals, similar to the slow release of formaldehyde, may pose potential health hazards, especially in nickel slag with high heavy metal content. Some countries have explicitly banned the use of stainless steel smelting slag.

Regarding the Lianyungang situation, local authorities stated they will monitor nickel slag and implement a rating system for concrete mixing companies, further clarifying the restricted and prohibited scope of nickel slag use, and publicly disclosing buildings using nickel slag if necessary. This measure aims to alleviate public concerns and strengthen regulation.

It's worth noting that not all nickel slag originates from stainless steel smelting. Magnetic separation during nickel slag production can reduce heavy metal content. However, this doesn't eliminate potential risks entirely. Therefore, strengthening regulation, standardizing production, strictly controlling the proportion of nickel slag used, and monitoring buildings using nickel slag are crucial for ensuring construction safety and public health.

The Lianyungang case isn't isolated, exposing loopholes in building material regulation in some regions. Some companies, to cut costs, use materials with potential safety hazards, requiring societal attention and vigilance. Media supervision and exposure can effectively push relevant departments to strengthen regulation and promote standardized development in the construction industry.

Ultimately, consumer interests and construction safety should be prioritized. A cost difference of 20 yuan should not come at the expense of building quality and residential safety. Only through strengthened regulation and improved industry self-discipline can we ensure building safety and security for residents. We urge comprehensive regulation of nickel slag production and use, the establishment of a sound quality traceability system, and nationwide promotion of advanced building materials and construction technologies to build a safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly construction environment.

We need a more transparent regulatory mechanism, allowing the public to clearly understand the source, composition, and safety performance of building materials, and the right to supervise and report violations. Public environmental awareness and risk awareness also need improvement to safeguard our living environment and safety. Only through collective efforts can we effectively eliminate safety hazards in building materials and create a safer and more reliable building environment.

Construction safety is not solely the responsibility of the government and enterprises but also every citizen's responsibility. Strengthened social supervision and improved public environmental and safety awareness are crucial to preventing and controlling similar incidents and protecting people's lives and property. To prevent recurrence, we need collective efforts to strengthen regulation, raise environmental awareness, and build a safe and reliable construction environment. This requires joint participation and effort from the government, enterprises, and the public.

This article aims to objectively analyze the current status and potential risks of nickel slag use in concrete, not to incite panic or engage in negative publicity. We believe that strengthened regulation, standardized production, and increased public awareness can effectively prevent risks and ensure construction safety. We urge relevant departments to further strengthen regulation, implement full-process supervision of nickel slag production, transportation, and use, and establish a sound quality traceability system to ensure construction safety and public interests. We also urge the media to strengthen supervision and promptly expose industry irregularities to promote the healthy development of the construction industry.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])