The present paper monitored levels of suspended particulate matters in the ambient air in and around selected quarries and analyzed the prevalent health problems suffered by nearby residents and quarry workers. It also assessed the residents' awareness of the negative implications of living in close proximity to quarry sites. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) meter was employed to monitor the level of particulate matter (PM 10 ) within and around five quarry sites selected for this study. The data collected from hospital records of quarry workers portrayed their health profile while the prevalent health problems of the nearby residents were elicited from a questionnaire survey conducted in two selected neighbouring communities of quarries. Results of the study showed that the highest mean SPM levels among the selected quarries vary between 26.03±1.36mg/m 3 and 11.03±1.52mg/m 3 . SPM levels declined significantly (p>0.05) with distance from the drilling and crushing locations at each of the quarry sites. At 25metres away from the quarry sites, mean SPM levels reduced drastically to 4.85±0.20mg/m 3 and 3.67±0.40mg/m 3 . Both psychological and health problems suffered by nearby residents include shock (46.0%), nasal infection (29.2%), and asthma (4.6%). The quarry workers suffered predominantly from cough (26.0%), catarrh (20.0%) and sinusitis (15.0%). Although, the residents of neighbouring communities are aware of risks associated with living near quarry sites, their general low socio-economic status made them incapable of taking any decisive measure towards relocating elsewhere. Approval for quarry operation should mandate environmental impact assessment and ensure strict implementation of outlined mitigation measures so as to guarantee environmental sustainability.

Occurrence of diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases in cities of developing countries has been on the increase over the decades largely due to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene among human population. This study examined the relationship between the spatial pattern of water-borne diseases vis-a-vis water quality in parts of Ibadan City in Nigeria. Data on 1,334 cases of various water-borne diseases was collected from eight public hospitals with catchments covering the study area. Three areas with relatively high incidence of water-borne diseases and another three areas with relatively low incidence were selected for water sampling and household survey. Water samples from rains, wells, and borehole were collected for physical and bacteriological analyses. A well structured questionnaire was administered to 350 residents of the selected areas to elicit information on water sourcing, handling and storage. Analysis of hospital records showed significant difference in the occurrence of water-borne diseases among residential areas (P<0.05). Typhoid fever had the highest occurrence (39.3%) followed by bacillary dysentery and cholera.

The concentrations of pollutants associated with cement production and the effects on ambient air and community health were assessed in this study. Suspended particulates were monitored using a Negretti 1000 TM air sampler. Additionally, an Ogawa TM sampler was employed to assess levels of selected gaseous pollutants at selected sites. To collect data on health status, a questionnaire survey was used for selected neighbouring communities and clinic records for industry workers. The data were analysed with the aid of percentage, variation test, correlation and regression statistics. Mean concentrations of particulate matter of 10 μ (74-338 μg/m 3 ) and 2.5 μ (28-116 μg/m 3 ) were significantly higher than permissible limits (50 μg/m 3 and 10 μg/m 3 ) within and around the production plant. At all sites, levels of sulphur dioxide (0.1-12 ppb), nitrogen dioxide (0.1-13 ppb) and carbon monoxide (0.1-1.7 ppm) were below the allowable limits for human exposure. Analysis of variance showed significant spatial variations (p < 0.01) in the concentrations of the monitored pollutants; higher concentrations were monitored at sites in proximity to factory location. The health profile of the factory workers and some residents of neighbouring communities showed high levels of respiratory and skin infections. Enforcement of law with regard to compliance on emissions and creation of a buffer zone around the cement factory would safeguard the environment and human health.

Assessment of lead in blood (BLL) and lead in urine (ULL) of some non-occupationally exposed, nonsmoking 214 pregnant Nigerian women, aged 17 to 49 years, and resident in Lagos was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry with control subjects consisting of 113 nonpregnant women. From results, the mean BLL and ULL (μg/dL) for pregnant women (59.5±2.1; 29.4±1.1) were significantly (p<0.01) higher than the values obtained for nonpregnant women (27.7±1.1; 9.2±0.6). BLL found in women in the first, second, and third trimesters were 57.2±2.3, 61.6±2.2, and 63.1±1.8, respectively. ULL could not serve to predict BLL due to weak correlations (r=-0.06 to +0.15; p>0.10). Study is a contribution to blood and urine lead status of Nigerian pregnant women, being relevant for healthcare management purposes, public health decision making, and possible primary prevention activities.

Electricity generators of varying capacities are popularly utilized in Nigeria as alternative source of power owing to the unreliability of electricity supply through the national grid. This study evaluated the impact of emissions from generating sets on air quality and human health in selected areas of Abeokuta city, Nigeria. The levels of particulates (PM 1 , PM 3), carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and methane were monitored using portable samplers. Copies of questionnaire were administered to generator operators and nearby residents so as to collect additional information. The capacities of sampled generators ranged from 1 to 25 kVA. The range of mean concentrations of PM 1 (4.7-219.2 mg/m 3), PM 3 (7.8-251.6 mg/m 3), carbon dioxide (4.5-10.9%), methane (0.0-1.2 ppm), carbon monoxide (141.1-4167.0 ppm), NO x (4.0-85.7 ppm), methane (2.3-31.0 ppm), sulphur oxides (3.5-65.6 ppm) and hydrogen sulphide (0.0-0.7 ppm) was highest at generator sites. The distance of sample sites to generator locations accounted for 14-66% variation of pollutants levels. Ailments frequently suffered by the exposed residents included nasal congestion (66%), cough (33%), headache (24%) and fever (12%). A national policy on appropriate use of electricity generator is urgently needed in Nigeria.