Effects of Exposure to Cement Dust on lung function among Cement Factory Workers

Background: Cement industries are playing a key role in economic growth and infrastructure development. But its production is a dusty process and is a major source of air pollution. Its exposure may affect respiratory system and impairment of pulmonary functions. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the effects of cement dust on pulmonary functions of workers working in cement factory. Methods: This case control study was conducted in the department of physiology, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram in collaboration with Heidelberg Cement Bangladesh Ltd. in Chattogram from January 2018 to December 2018. A total of 88 male workers, aged between 20-45 years were included in this study by consecutive sampling method who met the inclusion criteria. Workers working at least two years in direct contact of cement dust were considered as exposed (case) group. Non exposed (control) group were selected from office workers of same factory those who were not directly exposed to cement. Each group included 44 subjects. A predesigned data collection form containing information regarding general information, job history, present and past disease, drug history was filled up. Individual’s height, weight was measured and BMI was calculated. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC (%) was recorded by a digital spirometer (Chestgraph HI-101, Japan) in upright sitting posture. After compiling data,statistical analyses were done by using SPSS version Windows 25. Unpaired student’s ‘t’ test was done for statistical analysis. Results: Exposed (case) group showed significant reduction of FVC and FEV1 (p<0.001)with unaltered FEV1/ FVC (%) (p>0.05) in comparison to non exposed (control) group. Conclusion: The results of this study concluded that occupational exposure to cement dust reduce pulmonary functions of cement workers. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2021; 47(2): 199-204