The Sagamu cement factory, SW Nigeria: Is the dust generated a potential health hazard?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the heavy metal content of the dust generated by the Sagamu cement factory and its attendant health hazards on the immediate environment, especially on the inhabitants of the area. A total of 25 samples were collected and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Records of medical ailments associated with heavy metal toxicity were also compiled from the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital situated in the town. The results for some of the selected heavy metals showed the following pattern: limestone: Cd (n.d.-1.7 ppm), Pb (42-48 ppm), Cu (3.0-11 ppm), Zn (7.0-53 ppm) and Ni (3.0-8.0 ppm); shale: Cd (0.3-1.1 ppm), Pb (17-22 ppm), Cu (2.0-11 ppm), Zn (17-147 ppm) and Ni (3.0-18 ppm); dusts: Cd (0.5-0.7 ppm), Pb (32-52 ppm), Cu (2-16 ppm), Zn (5-152 ppm) and Ni (2-17 ppm); soils: Cd (0.5-1.1 ppm), Pb (28-49 ppm), Cu (22-35 ppm), Zn (43-69 ppm) and Ni (13.0-17 ppm). High levels of heavy metals were found in the rocks and soils. We propose that the high levels of metals in the dust and soil were acquired from the raw materials used by the cement factory and from active industrial discharge from this same factory. Medical records and the current health situation of the local residents in the study area reveal that there have been increases in the prevalence of diseases linked to heavy metal toxicity in the environment, especially those related to dust generation.

Cement industry: sustainability, challenges and perspectives

“…A similar study (Morales et al 1996) suggested that atmospheric concentration of zinc and cadmium was higher in western Venezuelan savannah than expected, also due to emissions from a cement factory. A more dramatic situation was described in Nigeria (Abimbola et al 2007) where the high concentration of heavy metals was associated with human diseases. On the other hand, negligible effect of cement and cement dust was observed in rats ( van Berlo et al 2009).…”

Element Content of Surface and Underground Water Sources around a Cement Factory Site in Calabar, Nigeria

“…Though, most elements are essential for proper functioning of the human biological system [4], humans are not adapted to deal with them at concentrations higher than the reference values that can be tolerated by the human homeostasis [2,3,5]. Cement factories have been a major source of heavy metals emission to the environment with several reports showing higher concentrations of heavy metals around cement factories [6][7][8]. The particulate matter that is emitted from quarrying of limestone to the final process of packaging of cement is deposited on the soil, vegetation and water bodies, which usually serve as drinking water sources in the environment, thus increasing the pollution quotient of the surrounding communities [9].…”

Contamination of barberry with heavy metals in the vicinity of Qayen Cement Company, Khorasan, Iran, in 2014: A Case study

“…Cement factories have been reported as a major source of heavy metals emission into the environment with several reports showing higher concentrations of heavy metals in the vicinity of cement factories (5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Contamination of the environment with many pollutants is one of the most significant problems in this century.…”