STUDY OF SKIN MORBIDITY PROFILE IN PORTLAND CEMENT INDUSTRY WORKER AT KHULNA CITY CORPORATION, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Cement, specifically Portland cement is now used for construction and rapid urbanization worldwide. Though development of cement industry in Bangladesh takes back to early fifties this industry is in rapid growth state from about a decade, involving a large number of worker population. High alkalinity of cement and its tiny content of water soluble chromate can cause occupational skin diseases to workers who are involved with any type of cement handling activities. Cement industry workers are mainly low income group people and are driven by poverty, illiteracy, overpopulation and thus can pay little or no attention for health protection and treatment. Therefore, this study aims to identify skin disease status of workers in a Bangladeshi cement industry. Study was conducted amongthe workers working in a particular cement industry in south-west region of Bangladesh, at Labanchara, Rupsha Khulna. Data was collected by questionnaire survey method using modified version of standard questionnaire, which was drafted and pre-tested based on the reconnaissance survey. The study found that workers were suffering from various irritant dermatitis, allergic dermatitis and cement burn of different parts of their body, significantly in hand, forearm and leg. Study revealed, lack of proper sanitation and maintenance of safety equipment, coupled with habit of smoking and working for many years are mostly responsible, besides regular dust exposure for the association of skin diseases in cement workers.