Consequences of cement dust exposure on pulmonary function in cement factory workers

Abstract

Background: Several health conditions are associated with cement dust exposure; obstructive and restrictive lung disorders are the most common consequences. The aims of this study were to assess the pulmonary function of cement factory workers and to determine the distribution of respiratory consequences resulting from dust inhalation. Methods: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was undertaken from December 2019 to March 2020. A total of 97 (response rate, 92.4%) nonsmoking male cement workers were recruited and compared with 97 apparently healthy volunteers. A spirometer was used to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1), and their ratio (FEV 1 /FVC). The measured parameters were interpreted according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. Results: Significant reductions were observed in pulmonary function parameters of cement factory workers compared to controls (FVC 4.03 vs. 4.65 L in controls; FEV 1 3.06 vs. 3.95 L in controls; p < 0.001 for both comparisons). A significant variation was observed in the prevalence of spirometric patterns between the two participating groups. Ninety (92.8%) controls had normal respiratory function with no defects, compared with only 25 (25.8%) of the cement workers. Restriction was the most common respiratory problem, with a greater prevalence in the cement workers (44 [45.4%]) compared to six (6.2%) controls. Conclusions: Cement factory workers showed decreased lung function and abnormal spirometric patterns which we attribute to dust inhalation. These workers should have periodic medical examinations and regular rotations through different factory departments to minimize the pulmonary hazards of cement dust.

Red Cell Distribution Width and Mean Corpuscular Volume Alterations: Detecting Inflammation Early in Occupational Cement Dust Exposure

“…Shanshal and Al-Qazaz reported that cement factory workforces exhibited statistically significant (p < 0.001) shrunken lung function and atypical readings of spirometry when compared with non-exposed (control) to cement dust [ 67 ]. Omidianidost et al similarly reported that cement dust exposure leads to poor pulmonary function, especially affecting the peak expiratory flow (PEF) variable [ 68 ].…”

The Causes Analysis of Pulmonary Function Disorders at Semen X Company

“…If the respiratory dust accumulates in the lungs and exceeds the threshold value, it can cause pneumoconiosis (Nafisa et al, 2016). To minimize lung dysfunction due to inhaled cement dust, workers must undergo periodic medical examinations and regular work rotation changes (Shanshal & Al-Qazaz, 2020). Based on the statistical test results between the variable age and lung function disorders, the results obtained a p-value = 1,000.…”

Contact with Wet Cement—A Preventable Cause of Chemical Burn: Case Report and Discussion

“…Saponification of cell membranes and intercellular bridges facilitate rapid penetration into deeper layers and into the aqueous and vitreous compartments, causing corneal opacification. Inhalation of cement dust can cause damage to respiratory epithelium and result in obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease 14 …”