The Health of Workers in Cement Factory: Evaluation of Lung Function

@#Introduction: Very few follow-up studies have investigated the respiratory function of cement employees. This research’s key objectives were to calculate overall dust exposure, evaluate chronic respiratory problems, and determine lung function status in cement factory workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the Cement Factory - City of Mosul. 100 cement production employees participated in this study who is exposed directly to the dust. Another 100 employees were chosen from the departments where the workers are not exposed to dust. The “Medical Research Council Questionnaire (MRCQ)” that recommended for use in epidemiological and occupational respiratory surveys was used. Lung function tests were performed using a Cosmed Pony FX spirometer. At the end of the day’s shift, acute respiratory symptoms were scored on a five-point Likert scale (1-5) using a modified questionnaire for respiratory symptoms. Different lung function was tested. Results: The mean age of the workers was 36.4 years (range 28-61), all of them were male. Cement overall dust ranged from (1.1 to 11.6 mg/m3 ) at the workplace. The (TLC) for 10 mg/m3 was exceeded in just one of the tests. For the exposed group, “the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out in the first 1 second, after full inspiration” FEV1 is (72.20 ± 11.35), the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out after full inspiration, measured in liters (FVC%) is (70.40 ± 12.27). Conclusion: Preventive measures are needed to reduce exposure to dust. Chronic respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function have been associated with high exposure to cement dust.

Occupational health risk assessment of dust in cement production enterprises / 预防医学

Objective@#To evaluate the occupational health risk of key posts exposed to cement dust in four cement production enterprises, and to provide reference for cement pneumoconiosis prevention and control. @*Methods@#Four Chinese typical cement enterprises and key posts exposed to cement dust were selected to carry out occupational health investigation and detection, and three risk assessment methods were used to assess their occupational health risk levels, including semi-quantitative comprehensive index method, semi-quantitative contact ratio method and risk rating method of International Mining and Metal Commission ( ICMM ). Meanwhile, the differences and consistencies among different assessment methods were compared. @*Results@#Dust free silica content ranged from ( 4.70±2.01 ) % to ( 5.63±2.48 ) %,and the total and respirable dust concentrations exposed by bagged cement loaders and cement baggers exceeded Chinese permissible concentration-time weighted average（ PC-TWA ）. The results of semi-quantitative comprehensive index method showed that all the types of work were at high risk of total and respirable dust, while the results of the other two assessment methods showed that bagged cement loaders and cement baggers were at a extremely high or intolerable risk. There were no significant differences among three risk assessment methods whether in terms of total dust or respirable dust ( P>0.05 ). ICMM risk rating method and contact ratio method showed highly positive correlation in term of respirable dust ( rs=0.894, P=0.016 ), but not in term of total dust ( rs=0.733, P=0.097 ). However, the correlations of comprehensive index method with the other two methods were unable to conduct.@*Conclusion@#Bagged cement loaders and cement baggers are at high occupational health risk levels. Moreover, semi-quantitative contact ratio method and ICMM risk rating method have high positive correlation in term of respirable dust, the applicability of comprehensive index method still needs further study.

Assessment of Health Risk Associated with Heavy Metal Contamination of Edible Vegetables in Cement Contaminated Area

Aim: Heavy metal (HM) content of some vegetables in the vicinity of a cement factory can be a useful index for assessment of HM contamination of the environment associated with cement production. Study Design: This cross sectional study was conducted at the United Cement Company at Mfamosing, Akamkpa local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria between February to November 2016. Methods: One hundred and forty edible vegetables of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Amaranthus viriditis (green leaf), Talinum triangulare (water leaf), Lavantheca africanum, Heinsia crinata and Gnatum africana were collected at varying distances and directions from the cement factory site and an area remote to the site serving as control. The lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) content of the vegetable samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance at P = .05. Results: The Pb, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cd, Se and Zn content of vegetables in all the locations studied were within the safe limits except for Cr and As levels of some vegetables from location closest to the factory which were higher than the safe limits. The HM content of all vegetables from location closest to the factory were significantly higher than those from other locations (P <0.001). The hazard quotient (HQ) of all HM in all the vegetables were <1 except for Mn in T. occidentalis which was >1. The hazard index (ƩHQ) for all HM in all the vegetables were >1. Conclusion: Cement production is associated with chromium and arsenic contamination of edible vegetables and increase in hazard index of HM levels in vegetables closest to the factory which may be implicated in increased risk for development of deleterious health consequences to consumers.

A cross sectional study for Screening of the risk factors of Diabetes among rural population

Background: The rise in diabetes mellitus (DM) has made it a major public health problem & a disaster of major proportion of Populations in India . This scenario becomes worse in rural setup where limited heath care facilities are available. So, to detect risk of diabetes the determinants of type-2 DM in people who are ≥45 years of age a study was done by selective screening methodology in rural area of Arang Block of Raipur district Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Arang block of Raipur District during 22nd April to 30th May 2019 among those who are at risk of developing DM, as per the WHO guidelines on Laboratory Diagnosis and monitoring of Diabetes Mellitus . Blood glucose estimation was done using a blood glucose meter. Personal Interview, Anthropometric measurements & Clinical Examination was done and a Pre-designed Questionnaire form was filled from every study subject. Analyzed on SPSS. Results: 8.4 % of the persons above the age of 45 years were diabetic. Study also revealed the proportion of people diagnosed with DM increases with increasing age groups. The difference between the post meal blood glucose level among the diabetics and nondiabetics was statistically significant. The proportion of diabetics was more among those who had family history of diabetes , BMI more than 25 and those with sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions: Implementation of preventive measures to reduce the burden of diabetes is needed. Identification of the various factors adversely related to glucose intolerance will help in evolving preventive strategies.

Assessment of respiratory morbidity among loading and unloading workers exposed to cement dust

Background: A higher incidence of occupational diseases has been reported recently compared to the past years. One of the industries where workers are remarkably exposed to dust is cement industry. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate pulmonary functions and biochemical parameters of workers exposed to cement dust in factories and construction sites, but few were concentrated among loading and unloading workers of warehouses. Hence the present study was undertaken to find out the effect of cement dust among loading and unloading workers of cement warehouses.Methods: This study was conducted among 82 exposed (cement dust) and 82 non-exposed individuals. Frequency of symptoms, biochemical parameters and spirometric values were taken from all subjects. Spirometric parameters recorded were, forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FVC% and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).Results: Out of exposed group, 51.2% had cough, 46.3% had rhinitis 45.2% had breathlessness. FEV1 and FVC showed significant reduction while FEV1/FVC values were normal. No significant changes were seen in renal function tests or liver function tests. Mean value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was found to be significantly increased.Conclusions: Compared to normal healthy adults the loading and unloading workers in cement warehouses showed restrictive lung disease and an increase in ESR representing a non-specific inflammatory change. A continuous bio monitoring of health status must be initiated for these employees and awareness campaigns regarding the exposure and use of standardized protective devices must be mandated.

Cement dust and environmental diseases

Even in the 21st century, some working environments still expose workers to cement dust. Many people are also exposed to cement dusts particles in their living environment, such as near cement production facilities and areas under construction. The cement industry is involved in the development of the physical infrastructure of advanced industrial society but generates dust during its production. The classic type of pneumoconiosis in coal workers has decreased, but recently, adverse health effects due to exposure to cement dust has increased in construction workers. Cement dust contains fine and ultrafine particles, 0.05-5.0 microm in aerodiameter, which can penetrate into the lung parenchyma and cause toxic damage. Cement dust can cause lung function impairment, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumoconiosis, and carcinoma of the lungs. Other studies have shown that cement dust may contain toxic heavy metals, such as hexavalent chromium, nickel, and cobalt. Cement dust may cause inflammatory changes in the skin, and often leads to skin diseases or autoimmune diseases. Therefore, close surveillance to monitor the potential toxic effects of cement dust and intervention to minimize its health risks is needed.

Clusters of Pneumoconiosis among Residents Near Cement Factories / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated case clusters of pneumoconiosis among residents near cement factories in Young_Wol, Korea. METHODS: There were 1,396 residents of a total 3,418 residents surveyed for this study. Informations on demographics, health-related behaviors (smoking and drinking), past medical history, and clinical symptoms were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. All study participants underwent a physical examination, including chest X-ray, and physicians' interview. Chest CT (computerized tomography) was taken if there was abnormal finding on chest X-ray and physicians' interview. RESULTS: We detected 5 cases of pneumoconiosis. 2 cases were related to occupational exposure to dust, such as underground mining and the breaking up of concrete. However, 3 cases were not related to occupational or environmental exposure, except that persons were living near cement factories and limestone mines. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the long-term exposure of cement dust among residents near cement factories and mines may lead to the development of pneumoconiosis.

A Case-study of a Plastering and Waterproof Worker Suffering from Silicosis and Lung Cancer / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: We report on a case-study of a silicosis sufferer with lung cancer, who was exposed to cement dust through plastering and waterproof work in the construction industry. METHODS: We reviewed his personal history including employment, medical record and estimated level of carcinogenic materials in the work place in order to evaluate the possible source of his lung cancer. RESULTS: The patient was a non-smoker and there was no family history of lung cancer. His medical record did not reveal anything of concern. He was exposed to cement dust while he had worked for 20 years as a plasterer and waterproof worker. After complaining of chest pain, he was examined and subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer (RUL, adenocarcinoma; cT4N2M1). He was treated in a hospital for 3 months before passing away. Radiological evaluation by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed micronodules with a profusion category 1 (p/p, 1/1) in the perilymphatic distribution, which indicated silicosis. Small amounts of cement dust which included silica was identified by environmental evaluation of his work place. He never worked with asbestos related material, which was confirmed by HRCT examination. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the patient's silicosis with lung cancer was an occupational-caused disease due to exposure to cement dust.

Prevalencia de pterigio, pingüecula hiperplasia conjuntival entre trabajadores de una empresa cementera de Bogotá / Prevalence of pterygia, pingueculae, and conjuntival hiperplasia among cement workers from Bogotá

Un estudio exploratorio retrospectivo fue realizado con 195 trabajadores de una empresa cementera, con el fin de explorar la asociación entre la exposición a polvo de cemento y la ocurrencia de pterigio, pingûecula e hiperplasia conjuntival. En 1998 una optómetra realizó los exámenes físicos, encontrando que las prevalencias de alteraciones conjuntivales en la población estudiada fueron: 37,4 % para la pingûecula, 23,6 % para la hiperplasia conjuntival y 19 % para el pterigio. Los trabajadores fueron clasificados en tres grupos según los niveles de exposición encontrados en la inspección del lugar de trabajo realizado por un especialista en salud ocupacional. Los resultados de la comparación de estos grupos sugieren una asociación entre la exposición a polvo de cemento y el pterigio (RPa: 9,8; IC95%: 1,4-68,8). Se plantea la necesidad de realizar nuevos estudios para mejorar el conocimiento de la etiología de las alteraciones conjuntivales, así como realizar los cambios en el ambiente laboral e implementar el uso de elementos de protección ocular.(AU)

A retrospective exploratory study was realized with 195 cement workers to explore the association between cement dust exposure and the occurrence of pterygia, pingueculae, and conjuntival hiperplasia. An optometrist examined the population in the enterprise during 1998. The prevalences of conjuntival alterations were: pingueculae 37,4 %, conjuntival hiperplasia 23,6 %, and pterygia 19 %. The workers were classified in three groups according to exposure levels determined by an occupational health specialist. The findings of the group comparison suggest an association between cement dust exposure and pterygia (PRa: 9,8; IC95 %: 1,4-68,8). New studies are required to improve the knowledge about the etiology of conjuntival alterations. Changes in the occupational environment and personal protective elements are recommended to guarantee ocular health.(AU)