The Impact of Quarrying Activities on Air Quality and Public Health: A Case Study in Warwickshire

Poor air quality is well-documented for its links to health issues such as asthma, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, posing particularly high risks to children and vulnerable populations. This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the air pollution levels that school students and local residents are currently exposed to, along with the potential impact of a proposed 220-acre sand and gravel quarry, which would increase heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic near the community. Monitoring was conducted in multiple locations, including the village High Street, a 250-student primary school, a private residence opposite the school, and 350 meters from an active quarry site. Results indicate that levels of particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>) frequently exceeded both national and WHO safety thresholds, particularly during peak traffic hours, which exacerbated the decline in air quality. If the new quarry is approved, air pollution levels are expected to further increase due to intensified HGV traffic and additional emissions from quarry activities, raising serious concerns about potential health impacts on local residents. For over twenty years, planning officers, regulatory bodies, and developers have relied predominantly on desktop modelling to assess the health risks associated with quarry activities, often using outdated and limited data that fail to capture the current conditions and real-world risks. Authorities maintain that there is "no evidence" of health risks for residents near quarries, a claim based on the absence of direct scientific studies rather than conclusive safety. This research underscores the urgent need for robust, ground-level data to inform decision-making and safeguard public health, particularly given the increased exposure risks to children attending school within the impact zone. The study’s findings strongly suggest that new quarrying activities could significantly compromise local air quality and increase health risks, highlighting the inadequacies of current regulatory assessments.