Assessment of respiratory health effects of cement dust on the workers of Rabak cement factory

Abstract

Globally, the cement industry has been identified as a factor which causes significant pollution. This study is conducted to assess respiratory health effects of cement dust on the workers of Rabak cement factory, Sudan. This descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out at Rabak city. 134 samples were taken from the workers of the Rabak cement factory. 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: the majority of the cement workers were infected by allergy. Cement dust might be the main cause of respiratory infection in exposed subjects. The duration of exposure to cement dust affects the prevalence of respiratory diseases among the cement workers. The present study clearly revealed that cement dust is not only the major cause of environmental pollution in the study area but also a threat to health of local inhabitants in addition to the worker. It has also been observed that majority of workers do not use personal protective equipment.