Occupational Health Effects of Cement Dust Exposure among Industrial and Non-industrial Block Molders in Benin City, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational exposure to cement dust poses significant health risks to workers, especially block molders in Benin City, Nigeria. Cement dust inhalation is associated with adverse hematological, biochemical, inflammatory, and trace element alterations that can compromise worker health. Aim/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare hematological, biochemical, inflammatory, and trace element changes among industrial and non-industrial block molders exposed to cement dust in Benin City. Methods: A cross-sectional design recruited 80 industrial block molders, 80 non-industrial block molders, and 45 controls. Parameters measured included red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total antioxidant status (TAS), interleukin-10 (IL-10), calcium, and zinc. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with significance at p<0.05. Results: Both industrial and non-industrial molders showed significant reductions in RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to controls (p=0.001), indicating anemia. Total antioxidant status and zinc levels were also decreased (p=0.001), suggesting oxidative stress and trace element imbalance. Inflammatory markers ESR and IL-10, as well as calcium, were elevated (p=0.001), indicating systemic inflammation and mineral disturbances. Changes were more pronounced among industrial molders. Conclusion: Cement dust exposure among block molders in Benin City is linked to anemia, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and trace element imbalances decreased zinc and elevated calcium levels. These findings call for enhanced occupational safety measures, including dust control and routine health monitoring, to protect workers’ health.