Haematological and Cytogenetic Studies in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Cement Dust

The effect of cement dust exposure on haematological and liver function parameters of cement factory workers in Sokoto, Nigeria

“…For instance, the cement industry has the highest number of reported cases of dermatitis and conjunctivitis in Nigeria (Ezenwa, 1996) suggesting that cement dust affects the skin and the eyes. The findings of a recent study in India also suggest that cement dust exposure caused haematologic and cytogenetic damage in cement factory workers (Jude et al, 2002). Also evidence from experimental animals suggests that cement dust may have deleterious effects on the liver and bone.…”

Regression formulae for predicting hematologic and liver functions from years of exposure to cement dust in cement factory workers in sokoto, nigeria

“…These findings suggest that there was an adverse effect on these parameters as years of exposure to cement dust increased. It is interesting that Jude et al (2002) reported abnormal blood cell counts implying haematological damage in subjects occupationally exposed to cement dust in India. In addition they reported that cement dust exposure was genotoxic as evidenced by chromosomal aberrations, decreased mitotic index and increased frequency of sister chromatid exchanges seen among their volunteers.…”

“…Fewer studies have examined the effect on other systems such as the skin and eyes (Ezenwa, 1996) and respiratory muscles (Meo et al, 2002). Indeed occupational exposure to cement dust not only depressed lung function but also reduced intercostals muscle performance as evidenced by surface electromyography studies (Meo et al, 2002) Recently, Jude et al, (2002) reported haematologic and genetic damages in workers occupationally exposed to cement dust in India. The deleterious effect on the haematologic system was confirmed by Merenu (2003) in workers at the Sokoto cement factory.…”

Prevalence of Cement Dust Exposure Related Illnesses among Residents of A Mining Community in North West Nigeria

“…Various operations where stone or raw material is crushed in the cement factory produce fugitive dust emissions. Exposure to Portland cement dust has long been associated with the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and varying degrees of airway obstruction in man 1 . The symptoms include cough, phlegm, breathlessness, wheeze, shortness of breath with wheeze, chest pain, chest tightness, skin lesions and conjunctivitis which together may be referred to as cement dust exposure related illnesses.…”

“…1 Toxic effects of airborne pollutants such as cement dust on humans include damage to eyes, respiratory and nervous systems and a number of teratogenic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects 2 . Cement making is inevitably a dusty operation as it is much concerned with hot dry powders.…”