Health and Hematological Profile of Male Labourers in a Cement Factory in North-Central Nigeria

Lasisi ME1, Ano-Edwards GH1, Uduagbamen PK2, Ododo BI3, Onabanjo BD1, Famoroti BM1 and Jooda KO. 1

1Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo/Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
2Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Bowen
University/Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
3Division of Radiology, Department of Surgery, Federal University/Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Nigeria

*Corresponding author’s Email: gbemi.ano-edward@bowen.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010046


ABSTRACT

Prolonged exposure to cement dust is linked to respiratory and hematologic disorders, which may lead to further psychosocial problems. However, data on these associations remain limited. This case-controlled study investigated the relationships between cement dust exposure and respiratory and hematologic abnormalities among workers in a resource-limited setting. The study involved 80 cement workers and 80 healthy male controls, with a mean age of 31.37 ± 9.06 years. Cement workers were generally younger, more often smokers, and less frequently married or formally educated than controls. Despite receiving more occupational training and reporting higher use of personal protective equipment (PPE), cement workers experienced a higher prevalence of illnesses (p=0.002). Symptoms such as eye pain and itching (p<0.001), cough (p<0.001), dyspnea (p<0.001), and wheezing (p<0.001) were notably more frequent in this group, yet most did not receive any medical treatment (p<0.001). Hematologic assessments revealed significantly increased rates of neutrophilia (p=0.001), monocytosis (p=0.003), eosinophilia (p=0.01), and anaemia (p=0.002) in cement workers. The leucocytosis and lymphopenia were more common but not statistically significant (p=0.07 and p=0.09, respectively). Duration of exposure showed meaningful correlations with neutrophilia (r=-0.49), monocytosis (r=-0.33), eosinophilia (r=-0.35), and lymphopenia (r=-0.42). Contact with cement dust increases the likelihood of respiratory and hematologic disturbances, with insufficient training and suboptimal PPE practices possibly contributing to these outcomes. More prolonged exposure durations were associated with specific blood abnormalities. Strengthened collaboration between government bodies and cement industry operators, improved health insurance systems, targeted worker training, and consistent use of protective measures could help reduce the occurrence and impact of these health issues.

Keywords:

Cement,
Respiratory
System,
Personal,
Protective