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ABSTRACT
Sawmilling is an important industry contributing significantly to resource management. However, sawmillers are exposed to occupational hazards such as wood dust inhalation which may cause various issues to their health. Wood dust is composed of fine particles generated during sawing, sanding and other wood operations. This study was aimed at evaluating some haemostatic parameters among occupationally exposed sawmill workers to wood dust. Sixty (60) exposed (test) and 30 non-exposed (control) participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for this study. Approximately nine milliliters(9ml) of blood were collected from ante cubital fossa using vacutainer set. Four and half milliliter(4.5mlL) was dispensed into sodium citrate container analysis. Haemostatic parameters like Prothrombin Time (PT), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APPT) where determined using standard methods. Platelet count (PLT) was determines using the SYSMEX KN-21N hematological autoanalyzer. D-dimer was analyzed using the immunoturbidimetric method. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 26.0. Results obtained from this study shows a significant (p<0.002) decrease in PLT was observed in exposed participants (210.77±6.45) when compared to non-exposed participants (277.97±26.25) while PT, APTT and INR were not significant (12.50±0.27), (29±1.11) and (1.03±0.01) respectively. Contrary, there was highly significant (0.62±0.02) increase in plasma Ddimer level when compared to non-exposed participants (0.43±0.01) (p=0.000). In conclusion, Occupational exposure to wood dust from this study can resulted in some changes in haemostatic parameters including Platelet Count (PLT) and D-dimer levels. It only suggested that sawmill workers are at risk of developing pulmonary embolism and bleeding disorders by reason of continuous exposure to wood dust or fibers
