Quarries – A Solution or a Dust Problem?

Quarries

Stone quarrying is a process by which rock is extracted from the ground and crushed to produce aggregate, which is then screened into desired sizes. This screened aggregate is then used for the construction of roads, rail lines, bridges, hospitals, schools, airports, factories, and homes, all of which has crucial impact on economic development of any country.

There is no doubt that aggregate is an essential part of the modern economy, but what are the environmental consequences of the industrial stone processing and how they can be mitigated?

The challenge we face is to balance the effects of development and the environment, this post highlights ways in which this can be done.

Quarrying and the Environment

Modern quarrying is raising various environmental concerns including land disturbance, noise, ground vibrations and emission of dust arising from movement of machinery and rock blasting. In this post, we will be focusing on the consequences of dust emission from the quarrying process.

What is Dust?

Dust is solid particles ranging in size from below 1 µm up to around 100 µm, that become airborne, depending on their origin, physical characteristics and ambient conditions. Generally, the smaller the particle size, the more hazardous it is to health.

Impact of Dust in Quarries

There is no doubt or argument that dust pollution in quarries poses various health risks to its workers as well as to the surrounding communities. Such risks include respiratory ailments, skin and eye problems, and safety issues due to poor visibility. The dust particle size, concentration, chemical composition and length of the exposure are factors considered in evaluating the health risks involved. Long-term severe exposure can pose the risk of developing silicosis, a fatal lung disease.

Occupational exposure to dust is a well-known phenomenon, that occurs everywhere not just in developing countries. Nevertheless, many quarry operations are located close to residential areas, which means that the impact of airborne dust is a problem that has to be dealt with not only because of occupational requirements but also in terms of broad environmental regulations. Local communities are now becoming more aware of the health impacts of dust inhalation and raising the issue.

Dust Emissions

Dust is generated on quarry operation during the breaking down process. Thus, the airborne concentration depends on the energy put into the process. Consequently, screened product is then the transported using large amounts of heavy machinery creating movement of traffic, which causes erosion and dust bloom clouds which is severe dust pollution that is then carried through the surrounding by wind.

Therefore is not only the quarry process itself but the collection,loading, transporting and delivery of the material that also  constitutes considerable dust emissions . Unless dust generation is prevented, dust moves with ambient air and can have far reaching consequences in locations far from the source. The consequences of this process can have an effect on vegetation, animals, and health of the workers and local communities.