Evaluation of Air Quality in The Surrounding Community Due to Limestone Blasting

Authors

  • Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi School of Construction and Quantity Surveying, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, 40450 Selangor, Malaysia
  • Wan Hasmirah Wan Ibrahim School of Construction and Quantity Surveying, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, 40450 Selangor, Malaysia
  • Naziah Muhammad Salleh Department of Building Surveying, School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
  • Badrul Hisham Daud Bina Pragmatik Sdn Bhd, A-10-1, Block A, Bistari De Kota, Jalan Teknologi 3/9, Kota Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22iSI.6499

Keywords:

Quarry, Blasting, Indoor Air Quality, Particulate Matters, Environment, Construction

Abstract

Air quality is very important in the people’s lives. In Malaysia, the quality of air needs to be monitored as the level is getting worst day by day. This is especially the case in areas where activities such as construction and quarry mining operate actively. This paper presents the findings of an investigation into air quality status in a community adjacent to a quarry. Air pollutants were monitored according to PM2.5 and PM10, using the TSI 8533 DustTrak, DRX Desktop Aerosol Monitor. The data were used to examine the influence of mining activities (blasting and non-blasting) within variability of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations inside residential buildings. Indoor dust was collected manually to be tested in the lab to identify the chemical composition. The result indicates that within-day variability of indoor PM2.5 and PM10 was influenced by the occupant’s activities and surrounding outdoor activities such as blasting and vehicle movements. Mitigation measures are proposed to ensure the achievement of sustainable development and indirectly improve the quality of air around the nearby residential area. It is anticipated that both residents and the quarry management are aware of the importance of monitoring air quality towards sustainable life in the future.

Author Biographies

  • Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi, School of Construction and Quantity Surveying, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, 40450 Selangor, Malaysia

    Professor Ts. Dr. Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi is a Professor at the Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), with expertise in building technology, environmental sustainability, and green retrofit strategies. She holds a Ph.D. in Building from the University of Manchester, a Master’s in Building Technology and a Bachelor’s degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia, and a professional technologist certification from MBOT. Since joining UiTM in 2007, she has actively contributed to numerous funded research projects, particularly on green façade systems, carbon storage in mangrove conservation, and spatial risk frameworks related to urban development. Her extensive publications span journals and proceedings, reflecting her commitment to sustainable design, energy efficiency, and digital applications in the built environment. She can be contacted at emmamarinie@uitm.edu.my.

  • Wan Hasmirah Wan Ibrahim, School of Construction and Quantity Surveying, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, 40450 Selangor, Malaysia

    Wan Hasmirah Wan Ibrahim is a researcher whose work focuses on environmental health and the impact of quarry-related activities on community well-being. Her studies emphasize air quality, indoor dust analysis, and residents' perceptions of environmental risks near quarry sites. Her research contributes to understanding how environmental factors affect human health and quality of life in industrial-adjacent communities. She can be reached via email at wwanhasmirah@yahoo.com.

  • Naziah Muhammad Salleh, Department of Building Surveying, School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia

    Dr. Naziah Muhamad Salleh is a senior lecturer at the Department of Building Surveying, School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She holds a Ph.D. in Built Environment from Universiti Malaya, along with both a Master's in Project Management and a Bachelor's in Building Technology from USM. Her research expertise lies in indoor environmental quality, building science and services, and sustainable building technologies. Dr. Naziah has authored several impactful publications, including studies on heritage building maintenance, green campus strategies, daylighting for energy efficiency, fire safety systems in low-cost housing, and spatial environmental impacts of urban infrastructure projects. She can be reached via email at naziahmsalleh@usm.my.

  • Badrul Hisham Daud, Bina Pragmatik Sdn Bhd, A-10-1, Block A, Bistari De Kota, Jalan Teknologi 3/9, Kota Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

    Badrul Hisham Daud is affiliated with Bina Pragmatik Sdn Bhd, a prominent construction company in Malaysia known for its involvement in large-scale infrastructure and building projects. With industry experience and expertise, he contributes to the planning, coordination, and execution of various construction developments across the country. His professional role supports the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and timely project delivery.

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Published

28-06-2025

Issue

Vol. 22 No. SI (2025): Built Environment Journal

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi, Wan Hasmirah Wan Ibrahim, Naziah Muhammad Salleh, Badrul Hisham Daud

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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How to Cite

Evaluation of Air Quality in The Surrounding Community Due to Limestone Blasting. (2025). Built Environment Journal, 22(SI). https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22iSI.6499

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