Abstract:
This research aimed to investigate the appropriateness of stone mills location and the health impacts from dust exposure on local people who lived in the area of Na Phra Lan, Saraburi, as the case study. The study was firstly included the investigation of the appropriate location of the stone mills. Study visit and categorizing data layers with Geographic Information System, using ArcGIS 10.1 were done. The findings were showed that the locations of all stone mills were not conformed to the adopted regulations. Consequently, the operation of industries had an effect on the educational institutions, communities and villages, tourist attractions, and archaeological sites. Moreover, those locations were inconsistent with the town and country planning of the study area. Secondly, the investigation of health impacts on local people who lived in the areas in which the highest (Moo 6) and lowest (Moo 3) number of stone mill industries located were explored. Health hazard considered Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) and Particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10). Questionnaire method by face-to-face interviews was done, with the samples of 150 and 76 households for Moo 3 and Moo 6, respectively. The distance between housing location and stone mill industries, together with housing characteristics were found significant difference, with statistical association (p<0.01). The results of asbestos sampling and analysis in three sections of stone mill industry indicated that the quantity of asbestos was negligible in all sections.Therefore, non-cancer risk was assessed.The TSP and PM10 values from the monitoring reports of stone mills and the Pollution Control Department were used. The remarkable results illustrated that the risks from TSP and PM10 exposure of people in Moo 3 was higher than Moo 6, with statistical significance (p< 0.01).The highest risk values were in winter.