The roles of oil palm mesocarp fibre with plaster of Paris and its environmental impacts

Oil palm fibres have contributed to the economy by providing bioenergy, sugars, and reinforcement to other building materials. Research and development have introduced new technology to improve the durability and aesthetics of buildings and other infrastructures. Using plaster of Paris (POP) in buildings has generated health concerns; hence, reinforcement has been made possible by adding oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF). The reinforcement of POP has improved the density, tensile strength, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and water absorption of the POP. The frequent use of OPMF is unsafe, considering the generation of greenhouse gases, foul odour, and environmental degradation it causes. The OPMF and POP composite could exert strong deleterious environmental and health effects. The OPMF effluent pollutes the environment by eutrophication and the release of acidic gases. In this review, we have suggested measures such as the conversion of the OPMF to sustainable products. Conversion of the OPMF into other valuable products, such as manure and antibiotics, and proper education of individuals on the health implications of OPMF exposure will assist in ameliorating the challenges. The implementation of the safety measures will reduce the effects experienced by users, oil millers, and processors. It will provide a long-term plan and protect our health and the environment.