ABSTRACT
Chronic exposure to cement dust among workers, particularly in the construction and distribution industries, has been associated with several adverse health effects. Studies have demonstrated that the detrimental health impacts of cement dust exposure go beyond respiratory issues. Evidence suggests that inhaling fine particles, like those present in cement dust, can provoke oxidative stress 12 within the body and cause alterations in the antioxidant defense in the body. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of cement dust on total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and 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 (8) mL of blood was collected using standard venipuncture technique and analyzed for haematological parameters (full blood count), total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase assay using the ERMA HAEMATOLOGY autoanalyzer PCE-210N and ELISA methods respectively. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for social sciences (SPSS) software. The result showed that there was no significant difference in TAC levels between exposed (318.95 ± 3.44 µmol/L) and control (319.60 ± 1.02 µmol/L) groups (t = 0.11, p = 0.914). Exposed subjects showed a significantly higher levels of SOD (104.50 ± 2.32 µ/mL) compared to the control group (82.70 ± 4.04 µ/mL) (t = -6.92, p < 0.001). 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, the findings of this study show the need to monitor oxidative stress markers and immune function in cement workers, highlighting also, the need to adopt measures aimed at reducing occupational exposure to cement dust for the sake of their health and overall well-being.
