Globally, the cement industry has been identified as a factor which causes significant pollution. This study is conducted to assess environmental impacts of cement industry - Rabak Cement Factory on vegetation and soil. Standard methods were followed in collecting, preparation and examination of some plant and soil samples from the study areas. The results showed that, the mean values of soil pH, electric conductivity and moisture contents, were (7.58, 449.38 µs/cm, 4.56%), respectively in the exposed area, and (7.28, 343.63 µs/cm, 4.31%) in the unexposed area. There were significance differences between exposed and unexposed areas with regard to concentrations of oxides of elements (Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Mn2O, Na2O and K2O) in soil and in different vegetables (Radish, Jews mallow, Fennel, Rocket) in the study area. The factory management should further provide the latest technologies to reduce industrial emissions to protect the environment and population living around the factory. Further studies are needed to investigate the impacts of cement industry on environment.

Globally, the cement industry has been identified as a factor which causes significant pollution. This study is conducted to assess the respiratory effects of cement dust on exposed and unexposed citizens in Rabak city, Sudan. This descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out in Rabak city. 134 samples were taken from the population living near the Factory (exposed) and population living far from the factory (unexposed). The respiratory symptoms experienced, were scored and recorded using BMRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The lung function measurements were performed using a portable Spirometer. The respiratory measurements of the subjects were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Expiratory Volume ratio (FEV1%). The results of the study showed that: there was significant reduction in the mean values of ventilatory function parameters: FVC (2.9097), FEV1 (2.5718) and FEV1% (87.4743) in the exposed group compared with the FVC (3.1175), FEV1 (2.8296) and FEV1% (90.7985) in unexposed group in the study area (P < 0.05). The majority of the exposed citizens were infected by allergy 41.0%. The Factory Management should further provide the latest technologies to reduce industrial emissions to protect the environment and population living around the Factory.

Globally, the cement industry has been identified as a factor which causes significant pollution. This study is conducted to assess respiratory health effects of cement dust on the workers of Rabak cement factory, Sudan. This descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out at Rabak city. 134 samples were taken from the workers of the Rabak cement factory. The respiratory symptoms experienced, were scored and recorded using BMRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The lung function measurements were performed using a portable Spirometer. The respiratory measurements of the subjects were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Expiratory Volume ratio (FEV1%). The results of the study showed that: the majority of the cement workers were infected by allergy. Cement dust might be the main cause of respiratory infection in exposed subjects. The duration of exposure to cement dust affects the prevalence of respiratory diseases among the cement workers. The present study clearly revealed that cement dust is not only the major cause of environmental pollution in the study area but also a threat to health of local inhabitants in addition to the worker. It has also been observed that majority of workers do not use personal protective equipment.

Cement industry caused environmental impacts at all stages of the process in the area; include emissions of airborne pollution in the form of dust, gases, noise and vibration. This study is conducted to evaluate the noise pollution and heat stress in different parts of Rabak Cement Factory. The study involved the exposed and unexposed groups. The noise levels were measured by the aid of an occupational health specialist who was familiar with the measuring device instructions and the study protocol. On the other hand, structured questionnaires were used to assess the workers' response to noise pollution in all sections of the factory. Environmental temperature was measured as close as feasible to the work area where the workers are exposed. The measurements were taken from two locations in the factory; the chemical laboratory and kiln in order to determine the heat stress. Some instruments were used to calculating heat stress parameters. Highest noise level was found in compressors 105.33 dB, conveyor belts 101.66 dB, raw materials mills 98.33dB and workshops 97.00 dB. The levels exceeded the maximum permitted noise level described by WHO. There is high temperature in work environment over standard level which may lead to heat stress. For these findings, the company should create a formal noise and heat stress management program.