ABSTRACT
Exposure to cement dust, a common hazard in industries such as construction, masonry, and cement loading and transportation, can lead to adverse health effects. Chronic exposure to cement dust is particularly concerning as it increases the risk of respiratory issues such as bronchitis, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic exposure to cement dust may also lead to excess production of antioxidants due to the higher level of ROS and oxidative stress. This stress can also affect the integrity and function of blood cells. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of cement dust on catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and some haematological parameters among occupationally exposed cement workers in Benin metropolis. 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. A total of five (5) mL of blood was collected using standard venipuncture technique, three (3) mL into plain containers and two (2) mL into Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic Acid (EDTA) anticoagulated container. It was then analyzed for catalase, glutathione peroxidase and haematological parameters (full blood count) using colourimetric method, ELISA and ERMA HAEMATOLOGY autoanalyzer PCE-210N respectively. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for social sciences (SPSS) software. The result showed that exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of GPx (254.72 ± 4.53 µ/L) compared to the control group (203.30 ± 1.26 µ/L) (p<0.05). Similarly, exposed subjects showed significantly higher levels of CAT (15.58 ± 0.44 µ/mL) compared to controls (6.75 ± 0.43 µ/mL) (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, to reduce occupational health risks, it is important to implement effective engineering controls, enhance personal protective equipment usage, and establish comprehensive health monitoring programs tailored to the needs of workers in the cement industry.
