Hematological parameters are acutely effected by cement dust exposure in construction workers

Abstract

Cement dust poses an occupational hazard causing respiratory (owing to its inhalation), dermatological, ocular and hematological problems. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of occupational exposure of cement dust on hematological parameters in construction workers. Apparently healthy sixty five (65) adult male construction workers aged 25-50 years participated in this study. Three (3.0) ml venous blood samples were collected from each participant for hematological analysis at two different time points, one at 8 AM and second at 4 PM at the end of work shift. Differences in means and test of significance were calculated using paired Student's t-test. The results revealed that post shift samples showed statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in mean total leukocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte %, monocyte % and eosinophil % and statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in mean hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet count. The present study confirms that hematological parameters are significantly effected in construction workers which may be attributed to the work atmosphere predominated with cement dust.

Haematological Alterations among Cement Loaders in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

“…Findings in this study shows a statistically higher value in platelet count when the values of cement loaders were compared with non-loaders. This findings is in tandem with the results of [16,2,18] who reported increase in platelets but not in conformity with the findings of [10,17,6] who found significant decrease in the platelet count of construction workers exposed to cement dust after work shift. The increase in platelet count in this research could be attributed to certain component of cement that has the capacity to stimulate the bone marrow in further production of platelets cells or has possible effects on the iron storage condition of the haemopoietic stem cell and this further could explain the decrease in haemoglobin concentration as well as packed cell volume.…”

“…Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) values were significantly lower in this study and this is in agreement with the finding of [10,16,18]. This further confirms that cement dust has toxicological as well as deleterious effects on the haemopoietic system.…”

“…Cement is a product made from limestone, laterites, clay and gypsum; and its composition includes, lime (calcium oxide), aluminium trioxide, silica (silicon dioxide), iron oxide, chromium and other impurities [10,11]. Some components of cement dust have been found to be hazardous to human health; component such as lime (calcium oxide) an alkaline substance is found to be corrosive to human tissue, crystalline silica also is associated with damages to the lungs and highly abrasive to the skin while the chromium component of cement dust is capable of eliciting allergic reactions [1,12,2].…”

“…This is due to imbalances between the rates of cell production, the rate at which they are release into circulation and their survival or loss from the system. Haematological parameters such as haemoglobin concentration The findings of recent studies conducted by [10,16,17,6,18] suggest that cement dust causes hematological and cytogenic damage among cement workers. Paucity of information on the effects of cement dust on haematological parameters in cement loaders in Port Harcourt, Nigeria triggered our quest to synthesize knowledge in this area and as such this study focuses on determining any possible alterations in haematological parameters among cement loaders in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.…”

Genomic Instability in Exfoliated Buccal Cells among Cement Warehouse Workers

“…7 A significant increase in total leukocyte count, chest pain, cough, ophthalmic problems, increased micronuclei levels in lymphocytes (representing increased genotoxicity) have been reported in various studies conducted on people across the world working in cement industries. [8][9][10][11] In addition, an increased activity of the antioxidant enzymes and depletion of total antioxidant capacity revealed that exposure to cement dust leads to increased oxidative stress. 12 Neboh, et al, reported a decrease in hemoglobin content among cement warehouse workers in Nigeria chronically exposed to cement dust.…”