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

Abstract

Summary: This study measured haematological and liver function parameters in workers occupationally exposed to cement dust in order to test the hypothesis that cement dust exposure may perturb these functions. Assessment of haematological parameters and liver function were performed in 23 workers occupationally exposed to cement dust (mean years of exposure = 9.6± 1.5 years) and 46 matched unexposed controls. The haemoglobin concentration (P< 0.001) and packed cell volume (P< 0.02) of exposed workers were significantly lower and the platelet (P<0.01) and white cell counts (P< 0.05) were significantly higher than in the unexposed workers. There was no significant difference in the total granulocyte and lymphocyte/monocyte counts. The liver function parameters remained similar in the exposed workers compared to the unexposed except serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities which were significantly lower (P<0.05). These results suggest that occupational exposure to cement dust may perturb haemopoietic function while preserving liver function.

Effect of Cement Dust Exposure on Lung Function among Residents of Kalambaina Community in Sokoto State, Nigeria

“…12 A study carried out on the workers of this cement factory in Kalambaina found that cement dust was deleterious to health of the workers. 6,7 The study found the vital capacity and forced expiratory volume for one second percent [FEV 1 %] were found to be significantly lower in the cement factory workers than in the control subjects. The haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly lower than those of the control group while the white cell count and platelets were significantly higher in the cement factory workers than in the control group.…”

“…The liver enzymes were not significantly different except for alkaline phosphatase which was significantly lower in the cement factory workers than in the control subjects. 6,7 If these effects were reported in cement factory workers who are aware of the health risks of cement dust and claim to use protective devices, the fate of residents in the host communities, who are unaware of the health risks and use no protective devices should be of great concern. There is need to assess the lung function of these residents.…”

“…Some researchers in Nigeria have studied the effect of chronic exposure to cement dust on the health of cement factory workers and have found cement dust deleterious to health. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Oguntoke and his colleagues in their study in Ewekoro Local Government Area, South-Western Nigeria on both cement factory workers and residents of Ewekoro found that the health profile of the factory workers and some residents of neighbouring communities showed high levels of respiratory and skin infections. 12 A study carried out on the workers of this cement factory in Kalambaina found that cement dust was deleterious to health of the workers.…”

Effect of Occupational Exposure on Blood Cell Counts, Electrocardiogram and Blood Pressure in Rice Mill Workers

“…This can be due to allergic reactions and inflammation which in turn is evoked by dust entering the lungs. There are several studies which have been carried out to show the effect of exposure to cement dust on haematological parameters [6,7]. The exposure to dust and allergic reactions may also cause dermatitis and other hypersensitivity reactions.…”

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

“…10 In a community in which such an industrial activity has been carried out on for 44years, its impact on the health of residents warrants attention and needs to be investigated. A few studies in Nigeria [11][12][13][14][15][16] have examined the effect of chronic exposure to cement dust on the health of cement factory workers. A study carried out on the workers of this cement factory found that the vital capacity and forced expiratory volume for one second percent were significantly lower in cement factory workers than in control subjects,(P<0.001 and P<0.005) respectively.…”