EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM OF WORKERS IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

Abstract

Despite dust being the primary hazard in cement processing and respiratory disorders being a significant occupational health concern in this sector, there has been inconclusive evidence regarding the link between exposure to cement dust and respiratory symptoms or functional decline. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impact of occupational cement dust exposure on the respiratory system. The research involved 170 male workers currently exposed to cement dust and 130 healthy male office workers with no history of dust exposure, serving as a comparison group. Participants underwent interviews, completed respiratory symptom questionnaires, and underwent chest x-rays and lung function tests. Inhalable and respirable cement dust exposure levels were estimated at 54.6 ± 42.4 and 31 ± 11.3 mg/m3, respectively (Mean ± SD). Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher occurrence (p<0.05) of symptoms like regular cough, phlegm, wheezing, and shortness of breath among exposed workers. Chest X-rays of exposed workers showed varying degrees of abnormalities, including emphysematous changes, calcified granulomas, and evidence of inflammatory processes. However, the comparison group's x-rays displayed no notable changes. Furthermore, exposed workers demonstrated significant reductions in lung function parameters compared to the reference group. In conclusion, our findings provide additional supportive evidence to the notion that exposure to cement dust is associated with respiratory symptoms and functional impairments.