Effect of Duration of Exposure to Cement Dust on Respiratory Function of Non-Smoking Cement Mill Workers

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of long term exposure to cement dust on lung function in non-smoking cement mill workers. This is a cross-sectional study of respiratory functions. Spirometry was performed in 100 apparently healthy volunteers; 50 non-smoking cement mill workers and 50 non-smoking un-exposed subjects. Based on the duration of exposure, cement mill workers were divided into three groups, less than 5, 5–10 and greater than 10 years. All subjects were individually matched for age, height, weight, and socioeconomic status. Pulmonary function test was performed by using an electronic spirometer. Significant reduction was observed in the mean values of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Maximal Voluntary Ventilation in cement mill workers who had been working in the cement industry for more than 10 years compared to their matched un-exposed group. Lung functions in cement mill workers were significantly impaired and results show a long term duration response effect of years of exposure to cement dust on lung functions.

Cement Dust Exposure and Perturbations in Some Elements and Lung and Liver Functions of Cement Factory Workers

“…Similar observations have been reported by other studies [15, 16, 19, 20]. Bioaccumulation of some specific components as chromium and silica present in the cement dust in the respiratory tract may lead to delayed hypersensitivity reaction and chronic inflammation and hence impaired respiratory function.…”

A study on respiratory problems and pulmonary function indexes among cement industry workers in Mashhad, Iran

“…This assumption could be supported by the results of Olerue's [26] and Meo's et al [27] study. Olerue conducted a case-control study and reported that the lung function parameters FVC and FEV 1 were decreased with the duration of employment in cement industry [27].…”

“…Olerue conducted a case-control study and reported that the lung function parameters FVC and FEV 1 were decreased with the duration of employment in cement industry [27]. Meo and his colleagues compared some spirometric indices in 50 non-smoking cement mill workers with 50 non-smoking un-exposed subjects.…”

Occupational Health Related Hazard among Workers at Al-Najaf Governmental Cement Factories

“…Also other studies concerned with these factors among workers of other types of industries such as Wood and oil industries and found similar findings (Assessment, 2011;Jerie, 2012;Meo et al, 2013, Eyayo, 2014. The safety measure and equipment are important factor for the safety and the protection of the workers in different workplaces the present study found that majority of the worker used protective clothing head protection equipment; hand and feet's protection equipment; on the other hand; about three quarters of the studied group used the respiratory equipment, these findings agreed that reported in Bangladeshi and Egyptian studies and these findings consistent with the legislations of occupational safety applied in these factories (Iqbal et al, 2010, Shafik & El-Mohsen, 2012).…”

“…One of the main reasons for increased occupational hazards level is the costs of care and the lack of commitment by the private sectors in addressing environmental policy and therefore workers exposed to occupational hazards and failure to provide for that slide care (private industry) and the failure to provide health insurance for the class labor by the government and with the piece increases injury rate among workers of this side and the other hand must coordinate with the industrial government to work to reduce the risks and increase the proportion of occupational safety and health (Erhabor et al, 2013;Meo, Al-Drees et al, 2013). To ensure the well-being of more workers because it represents important segment on the level of industry and social he is human part of life must provide psychosocial support through the equivalent or through training courses on how hazard assessment and increased health awareness to prevent injuries and to improve worker health and increasing trends, skills and knowledge of those risks and thus serve the interests productivity and health, a goal of global safety for the workers organization (Cherrie et al, 2011) …”