Assessment of respiratory effects of cement dust on exposed and unexposed citizens in Rabak City, Sudan

Abstract

Globally, the cement industry has been identified as a factor which causes significant pollution. This study is conducted to assess the respiratory effects of cement dust on exposed and unexposed citizens in Rabak city, Sudan. This descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out in Rabak city. 134 samples were taken from the population living near the Factory (exposed) and population living far from the factory (unexposed). The respiratory symptoms experienced, were scored and recorded using BMRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The lung function measurements were performed using a portable Spirometer. The respiratory measurements of the subjects were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Expiratory Volume ratio (FEV1%). The results of the study showed that: there was significant reduction in the mean values of ventilatory function parameters: FVC (2.9097), FEV1 (2.5718) and FEV1% (87.4743) in the exposed group compared with the FVC (3.1175), FEV1 (2.8296) and FEV1% (90.7985) in unexposed group in the study area (P < 0.05). The majority of the exposed citizens were infected by allergy 41.0%. The Factory Management should further provide the latest technologies to reduce industrial emissions to protect the environment and population living around the Factory.