The industrial boom in the Eastern Province,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Rapid industrialization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia particularly in the Eastern Province is a major step towards diversification of the national income, being the second after oil sales. This study aims at estimating the degree of air pollution likely to arise from the petrochemical industry in the Jubail Industrial area, Eastern Province. The World Health Organization's (WHO 1982) recommended methodology for rapid assessment of sources of air, water and land pollution was used. Air pollution load from some industries was taken as an example. The potential air pollutants are too many to be enumerated. However, the main ones are chlorine, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. Pollutants from the industry in the region may have serious effects on the population living in that area. It is strongly recommended that the concerned authorities in the Kingdom implement an environmental control programme at this early stage before the industrial area is fully operational.