ASSESSMENT OF LEAD IN DUST SAMPLES AND HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES IN STONE QUARRY WORKPLACES IN GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE

Workplace hazards are produced in the process of quarrying stones and include heavy metals like Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, etc. These hazards are harmful to the workers whenever they accumulate above the maximum permissible level in the quarries.

This study assessed the Lead level in dust samples and housekeeping practices in stone quarries in Gusau.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 307 quarry workers in Gusau between July and August 2022. The respondents were selected by a two-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire (ODK). Heavy metal analysis was conducted in the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology Zaria. Data was presented in tables and graphs. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health Zamfara State.

The Lead levels in dust samples in Lalan, Damba, and Samaru quarry work and administrative areas were 0.30, 0.31; 0.09, <0.01; 0.01, 0.04 (mg/kg) respectively [t=0.10, (p=0.92)] and all were below the maximum permissible level (100mg/kg). Only two-thirds, 209 (68.1%) of the respondents take a bath always, about one-third 92 (30.0%) bath sometimes, while six (1.9%) respondents never take a bath before and after work. Almost all the respondents 302 (98.4%) had never used a uniform in the quarry. Only one-sixth, 47 (15.3%) of the respondents avoid food or drink at work areas.

This study revealed tolerable levels of lead but poor housekeeping practices in the quarries in Gusau. The quarry employers should ensure periodic training and education of the workers on good housekeeping practices in the quarries.