Cement Dust Exposure and Risk of Hyperglycemia and Overweight among Artisans and Residents Close to a Cement Factory in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

The potential health risks of cement dust exposure are increasingly raising concern worldwide as the cement industry expands in response to rising cement demand. This necessitates the need to determine the nature of the risks in order to develop appropriate measures. This study determined the effects of cement dust exposure on the weight and blood glucose levels of people residing or working around a cement company in Sokoto, Nigeria. Demographic information was obtained using questionnaires from 72 participants, which included age, gender, educational level, exposure hours, occupation, and lifestyle. The blood glucose levels and body mass index (BMI) were measured using a Fine Test glucometer and a mechanical scale, respectively. The results showed that most of the people living or working around the cement company were middle-aged men (31-40; 42.06%) with a primary (33.33%) or secondary (45.83%) school education. It showed that 30 (41.69%) of the participants were overweight while 5 (6.94%) were obese. Additionally, 52.78% of the participants were diabetic while 31.94% were prediabetic. Participants that were exposed for long hours (> 15 hours per day) were the most diabetic (20% of the participants), followed by smokers (15%), and artisans (7%). It can be concluded that exposure to cement dust from the company increased the risk of overweight, obesity, and hyperglycemia among the participants. These health risks were worsened by daily long hours of exposure, smoking, and artisanal pollutant exposure. Human settlements and artisans should not be located near the cement company, and the company should minimize pollutant emissions.