Investigating the Awareness of Risks of Exposure to Atmospheric Aerosol and the Potentials of Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors at Quarry Site in Ebonyi State-Nigeria

Investigating the Awareness of Risks of Exposure to Atmospheric Aerosol and the Potentials of Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors at Quarry Site in Ebonyi State-Nigeria

¹Ibeh, Gabriel Friday, ²Lawrence Ibeh, ³Vwavware, O.J., ⁴Akande-Roland, P.I., ⁵Edebeatu C. C, and ⁶Njoku E. I

Corresponding Author: gabriel.ibeh@gmail.com

Abstract

The study is aimed at investigating the awareness of risks associated with the exposure to atmospheric aerosol at quarry site and its health implication in Ebonyi state, and to examines how low-cost air quality sensors can enhance monitoring and management efforts. The questionnaire used covers the demographic information, awareness of occupational health hazards, use of personal protective equipment, health effects experienced by workers, and suggestions for improvement. A total of three hundred and fifty (350) questionnaire were distributed to respondents. a sample of one hundred and eighty-five (185) for quarry workers, quarry owners/managers, community members living near quarry sites, sixty-five (65) healthcare providers, fifty-five (55) environmental protection agencies and forty-five (45) policymakers was selected through random sampling.  the data collected was statistically analyzed using frequency counts and mean. a total of three hundred and forty-seven (348) were returned, two (2) were torn and five (5) were wrongly filed. a total of three hundred and forty-three (343) were accepted and assembled for analysis. The findings on the awareness of occupational health hazards among quarry workers indicate a concerning lack of knowledge and training in this field. The findings from assessing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among workers indicate varying levels of compliance with safety measures. The findings from investigating the health effects of workers' exposure to aerosols at a quarry site reveal significant impacts on their well-being. The findings from the investigation aimed at identifying suggestions for improving a conducive work environment at the quarry indicate enhancement of health care. The responses from questionnaire provide valuable insights into the current state of occupational health and safety at quarry sites in Ebonyi State and help identify areas for improvement.  The research reviewed that lack of low-cost air quality sensors for monitoring of aerosol from quarry station is hindering the awareness of risk of exposure. Low-cost air quality sensors offer a practical solution for monitoring these risks, enabling real-time data collection that informs both operational practices and community engagement efforts.  The integration of low-cost air quality sensors into the environmental management framework at quarry sites in Ebonyi State can significantly enhance the understanding and control of air pollution. By providing real-time data and fostering community involvement, these sensors can play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of quarrying on air quality and public health. Therefore, collaborative approaches to help in having access to low-cost air quality sensors in Nigeria, research grants and sponsorship for training are the panacea for clean air quarry sites of Ebonyi State.