Environmental Impact Assessment of Quarries and Stone Cutting Industries in Palestine: Case Study of Jammain
Although quarries and the stone industries represent a significant industrial sector in Palestine in terms of production and exports and thus enhancing the economic situation, these operations have adverse impact on the environment and human health. The present study revealed that particulate matter (dust) produced as a result of the different activities associated with these industries causes several problems to the environment and people living in the area. Measurements of air quality showed that high concentrations of different particulate matter are in the study area. In this regard, the majority of the people (70% of the respondents) confirmed that air is permanently dusty, and the conditions are not limited to working hours, where higher effects are normally noticed in summer season. Also, the study showed that these industries have negative impact on water resources, and about 68% of the respondents confirmed that groundwater in polluted as a result of these industries and their wastes. Concerning the health situation, the study demonstrated that there is high prevalent rate of diseases caused as a result of these industries and particularly due to air pollution; cough and cold, dyspnea, inflammation of nasal, Asthma and hearing impairment due to noise pollution were the most prevalent diseases. Furthermore, these industries cause stress and discomfort to people and affect their homes as different degrees of crack are developed due to vibrations.