M.SC Project 

The purpose of this study is to determine the health effects associated with chemical exposure and air quality in populations residing near cement plants, taking into consideration three key emissions: carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and VOCs. Exposure to these pollutants may affect human organs and cause harmful health effects and serious diseases. Air quality is poorest in communities adjacent to cement plant sites, where these chemicals are emitted into the air, but afforestation may help improve the situation. Therefore, a cross-sectional exploratory study was performed in three sites: Al Sharjah Cement Factory, Sharjah, U.A.E.; Nasma (residential area); and Al Muwarrada 8 (residential area). The residential areas are 5.7 km from the cement factory, where one site was reforested and the other was not. A questionnaire on the general health of workers and residents, and on how afforestation affects air quality and public health, was used to survey individuals in both areas. The survey was completed by 39 factory workers, 51 Nasma residents, and 56 Al Muwarrada 8 residents. A non-carcinogenic risk analysis was combined with a triangulation-based approach to compare air quality measures with survey data. This was intended to provide preliminary evidence showing the influence of cement factory fuel emissions on common health conditions (NCDs) and how tree planting can reduce environmental pollution. The results obtained revealed the presence of critical non-carcinogenic risk inside Sharjah Cement Factory. It was found that the residents of Nasma and Al Muwarrada 8 had no risk of exposure in terms of non-carcinogenic risk, although Al Muwarrada 8 showed a higher non-carcinogenic risk than Nasma. Two devices (a heat stress monitor and a portable air quality monitor) were used to monitor the outdoor air environment in these zones. The results indicate that the air near the cement factory is highly polluted with SO₂ and VOCs and contains lower CO levels. This could pose long-term risks of non-cancer-related illnesses for individuals residing near the facility. Surprisingly, the Nasma area (with more trees) exhibited higher levels of VOCs compared to Al Muwarrada 8, indicating that trees may also release VOCs. Furthermore, the concentration of CO in both residential areas was higher than at the Sharjah Cement Factory. This highlights the importance of carefully selecting tree species for such areas, ensuring they do not contribute to air pollution and instead possess the capacity to purify the air. Regarding non-carcinogenic risk, the Health Risk Assessment revealed a critical risk within the Sharjah Cement Factory, while residents of both Nasma and Al Muwarrada 8 showed no risk of exposure. Notably, Al Muwarrada 8 presented a slightly higher non-carcinogenic risk compared to Nasma. Considering the recommendations and findings of this study, it is hoped that air quality improvement measures can be implemented around cement factories, leading to better well-being among workers, improved health for residents, and an overall