Assessment of Air Pollution from Cement Dust and Health Complaints in Communities Near Ashaka Cement Plant, Gombe State

This study assesses ambient cement dust pollution levels and associated community health complaints in residential areas adjacent to the Ashaka Cement plant in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. Cement production is a major source of particulate matter emissions in Nigeria, and communities near production facilities often experience elevated dust deposition without adequate environmental health monitoring. Dust fall measurements using standard deposit gauges were conducted at eight stations arranged at varying distances and wind directions from the plant over a sixteen-week period. PM10 concentrations were measured at four community receptor points using passive sampling methods. Concurrent structured health surveys were administered to 250 household heads in Ashaka town and two adjacent communities, documenting respiratory symptoms, eye irritation, and the community's attribution of these complaints to cement dust. Results show that dust fall rates at the nearest community station exceed 250 grams per square metre per month, well above the standard of 150 grams per square metre per month for residential areas. PM10 concentrations at three of four receptor points exceed the national ambient air quality standard of 75 micrograms per cubic metre for the annual average. Survey data reveal that 62 percent of respondents attribute persistent cough and shortness of breath to plant dust, and 78 percent report visible dust deposition on household surfaces and farm produce. The study documents a pattern of unaddressed community health concerns and inadequate environmental monitoring. Recommendations include installing a fence-line particulate monitoring network and upgrading the plant's emission control technology. Keywords: cement dust, air pollution, health complaints, Ashaka, particulate matter.