ABSTRACT
Exposure to cement dust poses significant health risks to workers in the construction and cement manufacturing industries. Inhalation of cement dust can lead to respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additionally, cement dust contains various chemical components, including silica, which can induce oxidative stress and cause alterations in liver function parameters and full blood count in exposed individuals. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of cement dust on malondialdehyde, liver function and some haematological parameters among occupationally exposed cement workers in Benin City. A total of ninety (90) participants comprising of sixty (60) subjects exposed to cement dust on a daily basis due to their occupation at cement factories and thirty (30) apparently healthy individuals who were not exposed to cement dust in Benin city, Edo, State of Nigeria, having met the inclusion criteria where selected to participate in this study. Eight (5) mL of blood was collected using standard venipuncture technique and analyzed for malondialdehyde, liver function and haematological parameters (full blood count) using ELISA, colourimetric method and ERMA HAEMATOLOGY autoanalyzer PCE-210N respectively. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for social sciences (SPSS) software. The result showed that malondialdehyde, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin and ALP were significantly higher in exposed subjects when compared to control (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the WBC count between exposed subjects (4.85 ± 0.19 x 103/μL) and control subjects (4.40 ± 0.32 x 103/μL). Exposed subjects showed significantly lower neutrophil (37.80 ± 1.61%) compared to control subjects. Lymphocyte (48.63 ± 1.58%), monocyte (8.93 ± 0.41%), Eosinophil (3.70 ± 0.35%) and basophil (0.93 ± 0.14%) were significantly higher compared to control subjects (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count between exposed and control subjects (p>0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed elevated levels of malondialdehyde, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), and bilirubin, coupled with changes in leukocyte distribution.
