Background: Production of cement is a dusty industrial process which includes emission of particulates, gases, solid waste, etc. Cement industries are regarded as one of the major source of environmental pollution. Cement factory workers are prone to occupational hazards. They encounter detrimental impact on their health due to prolong and repeated exposure to cement dust. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of cement dust exposure duration on liver function parameters (Serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) in cement factory workers. Materials and methods: Across-sectional comparative study design was adopted in this work. It was conducted in Department of Physiology, Chittagong Medical College in collaboration with Confidence cement factory Ltd. Chattogram from July 2022 to June 2023. Apparently healthy total 96 male subjects, aged between 20-50 years with BMI 18.5-27.5kg/m2 were included in this study by simple random sampling using lottery technique. Among them 48 cement factory workers, who were directly exposed to cement dust for at least 5 years and 48 subjects, engaged in desk job/office work, not directly exposed to cement dust in their working environment were enrolled in this study. To assess liver function serum ALT, AST, ALP and serum bilirubin were estimated. Unpaired Student’s t-test and ANOVA test were done for statistical analysis. Results: Mean values of serum ALT and AST were significantly higher in workers exposed for 10-14 years. Other parameters showed non significant changes between groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggests that duration of exposure to cement dust might not cause significant differences in the liver function of cement factory workers. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.24 (2); July 2025; Page 47-51

Chronic exposure to cement dust is an occupational hazard associated with systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and haematological dysfunction. Cement dust contains silica and heavy metals, which can trigger immune activation, oxidative damage, and alterations in trace element homeostasis, particularly among workers in developing countries. This study assessed the impact of chronic cement dust exposure on haematological indices, inflammatory response, oxidative balance, and trace element status among industrial and non-industrial block molders in Benin City, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 205 participants: 80 industrial block molders, 80 non-industrial block molders, and 45 unexposed controls. Blood parameters measured included red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin, white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-10 (IL-10), total antioxidant status (TAS), calcium, and zinc levels, using automated analyzers and immunoassays. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with significance set at p<0.05. Compared to controls, exposed workers exhibited significant reductions in RBC count and haemoglobin levels, indicating anaemia (p=0.001). Inflammatory markers ESR and IL-10 were significantly elevated in both exposed groups (p=0.001), suggesting persistent systemic inflammation. Total antioxidant status was reduced (p=0.001), reflecting oxidative stress. Trace element analysis showed zinc depletion and calcium elevation (p=0.001). The industrial block molders demonstrated more pronounced hematological and biochemical alterations than non-industrial molders. Chronic cement dust exposure impairs haematological function through mechanisms involving inflammation and oxidative stress and disrupts trace element balance. These findings highlight the need for occupational health interventions, including dust control, consistent use of personal protective equipment, and routine health monitoring of exposed workers.

Background Occupational cement dust exposure poses significant health risks, with recent evidence suggesting potential impacts on liver function, particularly in developing countries with expanding cement industries. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic occupational cement dust exposure on liver function among male adults working in a cement factory in Bangladesh, assessing serum liver enzyme levels as biomarkers of hepatic stress. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to August 2018 at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, and Ninety-two healthy males aged 20- 50 years were enrolled, including 46 workers exposed to cement dust for at least 2 years working in a Munshiganj-based cement mill in Bangladesh and 46 matched controls with no occupational exposure. Liver enzymes, Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed using automated analyzers. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test, the Pearson correlation coefficient test, and logistic regression. Result Mean liver enzyme levels (SGPT and SGOT) were significantly reduced while serum ALP increased dramatically in exposed workers compared to controls, with a p-value of <0.001. Though all values remained within the normal clinical range, the significant alterations in liver enzymes upon cement dust exposure may indicate early subclinical hepatic stress. The liver enzyme alterations likely reflect chronic, low-level inflammatory and oxidative challenges, with differences attributed to workplace exposure intensity and duration. Conclusions Chronic occupational exposure to cement dust may lead to measurable subclinical alterations in liver enzymes, suggesting early hepatic adaptation or stress despite an absence of overt disease. Regular monitoring and improved workplace safety measures are recommended to mitigate longterm risks. BJMS, Vol. 25 No. 01 January’26 Page : 91-102

Cement dust, a complex mixture of various substances including calcium oxide, iron oxide, chromium, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide potassium, sodium, sulfur and magnesium oxide can have deleterious effects on human health at long time inhalation. Medical scientists have been interested to know the possible effects of cement dust inhalation on human health, especially at long time inhalation. Ninety (90) adult males were used for this study, 60 construction site workers who have been exposed to cement dust for not less than years, and 30 men who had no history of cement dust exposure. Using Ion Selective Electrode and Calculation Methods, serum electrolytes and anion gabs were estimated respectively. Our results showed that there was significant reduction in serum sodium, chlorides and bicarbonate levels in the cement dust exposed workers when compared with the non-exposed men (P<0.05), while serum potassium levels were significantly higher in the exposed group than the unexposed group (P<0.05). A significant increase in anion gap (P<0.05) was also observed. The above findings are suggestive of imbalances in serum electrolytes and anion gap which may often result to metabolic acidosis and possible respiratory diseases among cement dust exposed individuals in Enugu metropolis of Nigeria.

The block-making industry is a critical component of Nigeria’s construction sector, providing essential materials for housing and infrastructure while employing thousands within the informal economy. Despite its economic significance, the sector is characterized by poor mechanization, inadequate safety practices, and high physical demands that expose workers to severe ergonomic risks. This review synthesizes empirical studies and policy documents to examine the ergonomic and occupational health challenges prevalent in Nigeria’s block-making enterprises. Key findings reveal widespread musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory ailments from cement dust exposure, and vibration-induced fatigue resulting from repetitive manual handling, awkward postures, and poorly designed locally fabricated equipment. Underlying determinants include low ergonomic awareness, weak institutional regulation, technological stagnation, and socio-cultural perceptions that valorize endurance over safety. The study identifies systemic factors economic informality, infrastructural deficits, and insufficient policy enforcement that perpetuate these hazards. It recommends a multi-level intervention framework encompassing ergonomic machine redesign, worker training, participatory safety education, and policy integration within Nigeria’s National Occupational Safety and Health framework. Embedding ergonomics in design, education, and governance is crucial for transforming block-making from a labour-intensive, high-risk trade into a sustainable and productivity-enhancing enterprise aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.

Quantitative computed tomography imaging classification of cement dust-exposed patients-based Kolmogorov-Arnold networks.

To assess the relation of exposure to cement dust and heavy metal (aluminium, cadmium and lead) exposures to pulmonary function among male cement plant workers. The study also aimed to evaluate dose-response relationships and prevalence and severity of respiratory symptoms among exposure categories compared with a control group. Cross-sectional study. Secondary-level occupational health clinic in Ankara, Türkiye. 461 male non-smoking cement plant employees were included in total. Participants were categorised into packaging (n=101), milling (n=162) and office unexposed workers (n=198). Inclusion criteria were more than 70% work history in the cement industry and exclusion of pre-existing respiratory disease and missing data from the participants. Not applicable. Pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC and peak expiratory flow (PEF)) and urinary, cadmium and blood lead concentrations were measured. Lung function impairment was the primary outcome measure; secondary outcomes included metal exposure-pulmonary measure correlations. Significant negative correlations existed between FEV1 and urine aluminium (r=-0.622, p<0.001), blood cadmium (r=-0.430, p<0.001) and lead (r=-0.473, p<0.001). Adjusted generalised linear models showed much lower FVC, FEV1 and PEF in the high-exposure milling group compared with controls (p<0.001). Workers with blood aluminium levels≥35 µg/L had lower FVC (4.26 L), FEV1 (3.61 L) and PEF (7.07 L/min) than those with lowered levels (p<0.001). Dose-dependent pulmonary function loss with increased metal levels was observed. Occupational cement dust and heavy metal exposure is closely linked to impaired pulmonary function in cement plant employees, particularly those who work in higher exposure jobs. The implications are robust endorsement of targeted monitoring and preventive interventions. Long-term longitudinal research is necessary to identify long-term outcome and efficacy of exposure reduction approaches.

Background and Objective: Exposure to cement dust presents serious threats to one's health at work, especially for construction workers.Its possible effects on liver function are still little understood, despite the well-established benefits on respiratory and skin health.This study investigates the effects of cement dust exposure on liver function among construction workers in Akala Express, focusing on biomarkers such as AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, Albumin, and Total Protein.Materials and Methods: This study was performed on the smoker and nonsmoker students in the University of Babylon, and all the blood samples were collected between November, 2023 to January, 2024.As 50 exposed and 50 non-exposed people, matched for age and demographics, participated in a case-control study.Standardized biochemical techniques were used to gather blood samples and test them for liver indicators.To do statistical analysis, SPSS version 24.0 was used.The data was summarized using descriptive statistics, and the amounts of biomarkers in each group were compared using independent t-tests.The association between exposure length and liver dysfunction was evaluated using Chi-square testing.Results: ALT levels were significantly lower in the exposed group (29.2310.54IU/L) compared to the control group (38.3219.26IU/L, p = 0.004).Other biomarkers, including AST (37.9513.09vs 33.512.13IU/L, p = 0.081), ALP (76.9423.07vs 70.626.29IU/L, p = 0.203), Albumin (4.060.75vs 4.191.04g/L, p = 0.457), and Total Protein (7.190.95vs 7.371.37g/L, p = 0.443) showed no statistically significant differences.The prevalence of liver dysfunction was 8% in the exposed group and 0% in the control group.Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between longer exposure durations and liver dysfunction (p = 0.026).Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to cement dust significantly reduces ALT levels, indicating potential liver stress.However, other liver biomarkers remained within normal ranges, suggesting that adaptive mechanisms may mitigate severe damage.The results highlight the importance of enforcing protective measures and conducting longitudinal studies to better understand long-term effects.

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.

International audience

1D Network computational fluid dynamics for evaluating regional pressures in subjects with cement dust exposure.

Cement dust is a fine powder that is produced during the manufacture, handing and use of cement. Previous studies have shown that cement dust causes bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and other lung diseases. Not much has been reported on cement dust exposure on larynx. Therefore, this present study was carried out to investigate histological changes in the larynx of Wistar rats following exposure to cement dust. Twenty-four (24) Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats per group. Group A rats were placed in a cement dust free chamber while Group B - D animals were exposed to cement dust dispersed from 5g (low dose), 10g (medium dose) and 20g (high dose) of cement, respectively via dust distributor glass-chamber (DDGC) of dimensions 32.5 cm³ in length, 32.5 cm³ in width and 16.5 cm³ in height for 1 hour daily for 30 days. The weights of the rats were taken weekly, and the difference noted. At the end of the 30th day of exposure, the animals were euthanized under chloroform anaesthesia and the larynges were harvested and processed for histological examination. The histological sections of the larynx of rats in group A revealed normal mucous membrane, muscular layer, cartilage, subepithelial areolar connective tissue and lumen. There were observable histological variations in the laryngeal architecture of the exposed rats (Groups B-D) which include severe mucosal ulceration, sub-epithelial oedema and heavy mucosal infiltrates of inflammatory cells. These injuries are consistent with usual histological findings in laryngitis. It was concluded that cement dust had histomorphological effects on the mucosa, submucosa and muscuaris of the larynx which are capable of compromising the health of the research animals.

Introduction Contact with the dust of cement consisting of toxic components brings about inflammatory damage (often irreversible) to the body of a human being. The circulatory system exhibits sensitivity to inflammatory changes in the body, and one of the earliest changes may be observed in the blood parameters like mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). MCHC and MCH are possibly easily accessible and affordable parameters that can detect harmful changes in the body before any irreversible damage occurs. Objectives This research aimed to seek the changes in MCHC and MCH upon occupational contact with the toxic dust of cement. Methods The execution of this research was done in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh, and a cement plant in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. This research was carried out between September 2017 and August 2018. Individuals (20 to 50 years old, 92 male adults) participated and were grouped into the group with occupational cement dust impact (46 subjects) and the group without occupational dust of cement impact (46 subjects). Data was collected in a pre-designed questionnaire. An independent sample t-test was conducted to analyze statistical and demographic data like body mass index and blood pressure. A multivariate regression model was applied to note the impact of cement dust on the group working in this dusty environment. Again, a multivariate regression model was employed to observe whether the duration of exposure to this dust affected MCHC and MCH. The significance level was demarcated at p < 0.05 Stata-15 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, US) for statistical analysis, and GraphPad Prism v8.3.2 (Insight Venture Management, LLC, New York, NY, US) was employed to present the data graphically when required. Results There was a reduction in MCHC by 0.58 g/dL and MCH levels by 0.68 pg in the cement dust-exposed subjects when compared to controls, but not significant (95% CI: -0.93, 2.10;p = 0.448 and 95% CI: -0.37, 1.73;p= 0.203, respectively). However, MCHC was reduced significantly by 0.51 g/dL (p = 0.011) with the duration of exposure to the dust. Conclusion The study showed that MCHC was significantly reduced with the duration of exposure to cement dust in cement plant workers. Such alterations may hamper heme synthesis, hemolysis, and inflammatory changes in the body.

A numerical study on airflow and particle transport characteristics of subjects with cement dust exposure

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cement dust is an atmospheric pollutant which poses a significant threat to the environment and humans. Previous studies have shown that cement dust causes bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and other lung diseases. Not much has been reported on cement dust exposure on trachea. Therefore, this present study was carried out to investigate histological changes in the trachea of Wistar rats following exposure to cement dust. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four (24) Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats per group. Group A rats were placed in a cement dust free chamber while Group B - D animals were exposed to cement dust dispersed from 5g (low dose), 10g (medium dose) and 20g (high dose) of cement, respectively via dust distributor glass-chamber of dimensions 32.5 cm3 in length, 32.5 cm3 in width and 16.5 cm3 in height for 1 hour daily for 30 days. The weights of the rats were taken weekly and the difference between them and previous weights were noted. At the end of the 30th day of exposure, the animals were euthanized under chloroform anaesthesia and the tracheae were harvested and processed for histological examination. RESULTS: The histological sections of the trachea of rats in Group A revealed normal lumen, mucous membrane, sub-epithelial areolar connective tissue, cartilage, muscularis layer and glands. There were observable histological variations in the tracheal architecture of the exposed rats (Groups B-D) which include mural oedema, sub-epithelial infiltrates of inflammatory cells, mucosal ulceration, and luminal haemorrhage. These injuries are consistent with usual histological findings in tracheitis. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that cement dust had histomorphological effects on the mucous membrane, lumen, muscularis layer and sub-epithelial areolar connective tissue of the trachea which are capable of compromising the health of the research animals.

Cement dust exposure has also been associated with both increased oxidative stress and decreased anti-oxidant capacity, which in turn can promote lipid peroxidation and consequently dyslipidaemia. This study was carried out to determine the lipid profile of cement factory workers in Ekpoma and environs. A total of eighty (80) samples were used in this study comprising fifty (50) cement factory workers (subjects) and thirty (30) non-cement factory workers (control). Lipid profile was determined using standard laboratory procedures. The results were presented in tables as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the student’s t-test. Significant difference was accepted at p&lt;0.05. The results presented in mean ± standard deviation showed that the age of the subjects and control was 24.60±4.46 and 30.45±6.80, the Height (m) was 1.64±0.09 and 1.82±0.74, the Weight (kg) was 64.25±4.91 and 71.10±12.75, while the BMI (kg/m2) was 23.78±2.16 and 22.35±4.09 respectively. The concentration of Total cholesterol (mg/dl) in mean ± standard deviation of the subjects and control group was 157.65±25.07 and 152.40±22.67, Triglyceride (mg/dl) was 192.45±44.84 and 111.75±11.35, HDL (mg/dl) was 35.65±3.36 and 45.60±5.89, while LDL (mg/dl) was 84.30±20.16 and 77.35±15.70 respectively. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the lipid profile of cement factory workers with respect to duration of work. There was significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in Height, Triglyceride and LDL of the subjects with respect to age, while others were not significant (p&gt;0.05). The study concludes that total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL were higher among cement workers compared with control, while HDL was lower among cement workers. Long term exposure to cement dust should be monitored, thus calling for collaboration between the health workers and cement factory management to ensure frequent monitoring of their workers’ health.

Background Exposure to cement dust poses significant risks to respiratory health, particularly among occupational workers. However, the impact of non-occupational cement dust exposure on nearby residents’ pulmonary well-being is often overlooked, particularly in the context of India. This study explores chronic respiratory health symptoms and their predictors in residents exposed to cement dust within a 1 km radius of a cement factory, comparing them with residents residing 5 kms away from the plant. Methods Using a comparative cross-sectional approach, we sampled 542 individuals from both exposed and unexposed communities using a multi-stage sampling technique. In-person interviews were conducted to collect relevant information, and descriptive methods were employed for data analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to identify factors predicting self-reported chronic respiratory symptoms. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to quantify the strength of the relationships. Results The results revealed a notable disparity in respiratory health between the two groups. Approximately 80% of residents within 1 km proximity to the cement industry reported respiratory symptoms, compared to 31% in the more distant community. Exposed residents were significantly more likely to experience respiratory manifestations, with odds ratios ranging from 5.3 kms to 5.4 kms compared to their unexposed counterparts. Conclusions While it was expected that the cement-exposed group would exhibit a higher burden of chronic respiratory symptoms, a surprising finding was that nearly one-third of non-exposed adult residents living in close proximity also reported adverse respiratory symptoms. This highlights the need for informed policies, including regular screening programs for respiratory health among proximate residents, and effective measures to control dust emissions from cement plants. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing respiratory health disparities in both occupational and non-occupational settings related to cement dust exposure.

Introduction Cement dust emitted during cement manufacture consists of toxic components. Occupational cement dust exposure may cause inflammation in the human body, which may be detected early by observing changes in blood parameters such as red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Objectives The study aims to observe the effect of occupational cement dust exposure on RDW and MCV. Methods This study was performed in the Department of Physiology of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and a factory in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, from September 2017 to August 2018. Ninety-two participants between 20 and 50 years were included (46 subjects were occupationally exposed to cement dust, and 46 were not exposed to cement dust). A pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. An independent sample t-test was used to analyze basic information, such as blood pressure and BMI. The multivariate regression model was used to analyze the effect of cement dust exposure on the study group. The impact of cement dust exposure duration was analyzed using the multivariate regression model. The level of significance was p < 0.05. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA-15 (StataCorp, College Station, TX), and the graphical presentation used GraphPad Prism v8.3.2. Results The cement dust-exposed participants had a significantly higher value of MCV by 1.19 fi (95% CI = 0.02, 4.84; p = 0.049) and a 5.92% increase in RDW (95% CI = 5.29, 6.55; p < 0.001) than that of the control group. Conclusion The study reveals that exposure to cement dust causes significant changes in RDW and MCV. These changes may indicate hemolysis due to inflammation.

Background: Occupational and environmental lung diseases are the major problems of clinical medicine. The cement dust workers are constantly exposed to high amounts of visible ambient air particulate matter, mostly without any respiratory protective device. Therefore, the inhalation of dust over periods of time leads to impaired lung functions. Objectives: To observe the effects of cement dust exposure on PEFR in female cement dust workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur from July 2016 to June 2017. A total of 60 female subjects aged 20–50 years were selected for the study. Among them, 30 were apparently healthy workers exposed to cement dust, and 30 apparently healthy height, weight &amp; BMI-matched subjects not exposed to cement dust were selected as control from the surrounding community. Their pulmonary functions were studied by measuring PEFR. For statistical analysis, an unpaired ‘t’-test was performed by computer-based software SPSS-17.0 version for Windows. Results: The mean measured and mean percentage of the predicted value of PEFR was significantly (p_0.001) lower in cement dust-exposed female workers (CD- EFW) than the non-exposed female workers (CD-NEFW). Conclusion: From the result of this study, it can be concluded that cement dust (CD) may have harmful effects on some pulmonary functions. J Rang Med Col. September 2023; Vol. 8, No. 2: 25-28

Background:Cement dust is a significant source of occupational exposure affecting lung function and respiratory health. A higher burden of respiratory morbidity is known among factory workers involved in cement production. Globally or from India, there are no estimates of this burden from informal workers exposed to cement dust.Objective:To assess difference in lung function and respiratory symptoms among informal workers exposed to cement and those unexposed, using a comparative community based cross-sectional study from purposively selected areas in Delhi, India.Methods:Using a portable spirometer we measured lung function and collected respiratory symptoms from conveniently sampled informal workers (n = 100) exposed to cement dust, 50 indoor informal workers (tailors), and 50 outdoor (vegetable) vendors. Regression analyses were performed to compare respiratory symptom score and lung function parameters, adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, socioeconomic status, and years of occupational exposure.Findings:Exposed workers had significantly lower lung function (PEF = –750 ml/s and –810 ml/s and FEV1/FVC (%) = –3.87 and –2.11) compared to indoor and outdoor groups, with three times higher chronic respiratory symptoms when compared to the unexposed groups. The cement dust exposure was observed to be associated with PEF (mean difference (MD) = –0.75L, 95%CI = –1.36 to –0.15, p = 0.01), %FEV1/FVC (MD = –3.87, 95%CI = –6.77 to –0.96, p = 0.03) and respiratory symptoms (p < 0.001).Conclusion:This study generates evidence regarding the respiratory burden of occupational exposure among vulnerable informal workers. There is an urgent need for policy reforms to safeguard health from occupational exposures, especially among informal workers.