Assessment of Dust Exposure Levels and Respiratory Health Risks Among Quarry Workers in Edo State, South South Nigeria

Quarrying activities in Edo State, South South Nigeria, generate significant volumes of airborne particulate matter that pose serious respiratory health risks to workers. This study assesses dust exposure levels and associated respiratory health risks among quarry workers in selected sites in Edo State. The research adopts a descriptive cross-sectional design, combining environmental monitoring with structured health interviews administered to 150 quarry workers. Gravimetric analysis was used to measure total and respirable dust concentrations at various operational points including drilling, blasting, and crushing zones. Results were compared against the Nigerian Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) permissible exposure limits. Preliminary findings indicate that respirable dust concentrations at crushing and screening stations consistently exceed regulatory thresholds. Workers in these zones report elevated incidences of persistent cough, chest tightness, and reduced lung function. The study identifies the absence of functional personal protective equipment (PPE) and inadequate ventilation as primary contributing factors. Recommendations include the installation of wet suppression systems, regular occupational health surveillance, and enforcement of PPE compliance by site management. This research contributes to growing local evidence on occupational health in extractive industries and provides a baseline dataset for regulatory authorities. It also highlights the urgent need for updated enforcement frameworks under Nigeria's mining safety regulations. Keywords: dust exposure, quarry workers, respiratory health, Edo State, occupational safety.