Study of degenerative changes of conjunctiva associated with cement industry

This work was conducted to study the effect of exposure to cement on development of degenerative changes on conjunctiva whether directly in industry or indirectly through air pollution. A total sample [3625] were submitted to conjunctival examination; 2051 exposed of 26 non exposed workers, 970 exposed and 340 non exposed inhabitants. The degenerative changes were detected among 87.5% of exposed versus 12.2% of non exposed workers and among 45.6% of exposed versus 11.5% of non exposed inhabitants. The significance of occupational exposure to cement dust on development of degenerative changes of conjunctiva of exposed workers and inhabitants was stressed through comparison between the different studied groups