Assessment of Environmental Health Implications of Quarrying Activities in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Quarrying activities generate significant environmental health challenges including dust emissions, noise pollution, ground vibration, and water contamination, with potentially severe impacts on workers and adjacent communities. This study assessed the environmental health implications of limestone quarrying activities in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. Environmental monitoring included measurement of respirable dust and silica content, ambient noise levels, and vibration intensity at quarry sites and surrounding communities at varying distances. Water samples from streams and hand-dug wells within two kilometres of quarry sites were analyzed for suspended solids, heavy metals, and acidity. A cross-sectional health survey was administered to 300 quarry workers and 200 community residents. Results showed that respirable dust levels at the quarry face and primary crushing zones exceeded 5 mg/m3 in seventy percent of measurements, with crystalline silica content posing significant silicosis risk. Noise levels at the quarry boundary averaged 89 dB(A), exceeding the occupational exposure limit. Complaint rates for respiratory symptoms were significantly higher among workers than community residents, but community members within one kilometre also demonstrated elevated rates of dust-related complaints. Downstream water quality was impaired in communities below quarry sites. The study recommends implementation of wet drilling techniques, engineering noise controls, regular silica dust monitoring with biological surveillance for silicosis, and environmental buffer zone enforcement. Keywords: quarrying, dust exposure, silica, Ebonyi State, community health.