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PM2.5 is one of the major Air pollutants in our environment today. PM2.5 refers to particles with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometer. The aim of the study was to investigate the levels of PM2.5 generated around selected quarries and residential areas in Iyuku and Ikpeshi. The objective of the study was to determine the concentration of PM2.5 in iyuku and ikpeshi communities, and to determine the spatial variation of PM2.5 in the sampling points. The major sources of PM2.5 are grouped into the outdoor sources and the indoor sources. Some outdoor sources are; cars, construction sites, soil, natural gas powered plants, fires etc. while some of the indoor sources are; cooking, smoking tobacco, incense, burning wood etc. The concentration of PM2.5 varies from place to place due to the nature of activities carried out in those places.. PM2.5 affects the environment by causing acid rain, reducing visibility and it brings about climate change. When PM2.5 enters the body, it settles in the respiratory bronchioles and alveoli, where gas exchange occurs, affecting lung gas exchange and potentially penetrating deep into the lungs. Eventually they penetrate into the blood stream and cause significant health problems. Some of the effects of PM2.5 on human health includes; shortness of breath, heart attacks, decrease lung function, inflammation of lung tissue etc. A quarry is a place where rocks are being excavated from the earth. Quarrying activities adversely affects the environment and the health of those working and living around such areas. Four main quarry sites were selected, with two operating on hard rocks and the other two operates on soft rock. A Portable hand-held air quality monitor (L529K) was used to determine the concentration of PM2.5 in the selected sites. The results showed that the mean values for the soft rocks in both wet and dry seasons were higher than those of the hard rocks.
