Cement Dust Exposure and Perturbations in Some Elements and Lung and Liver Functions of Cement Factory Workers

Background. Cement dust inhalation is associated with deleterious health effects. The impact of cement dust exposure on the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), liver function, and some serum elements in workers and residents near cement factory were assessed. Methods. Two hundred and ten subjects (50 workers, 60 residents, and 100 controls) aged 18–60 years were studied. PEFR, liver function {aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST and ALT) and total and conjugated bilirubin (TB and CB)}, and serum elements {lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As)} were determined using peak flow meter, colorimetry, and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Data were analysed using ANOVA and correlation at p=0.05. Results. The ALT, TB, CB, Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Se, Mn, and Cu were significantly higher and PEFR, Fe, and Zn lower in workers and residents compared to controls (p<0.05). Higher levels of ALT, AST, and Fe and lower levels of Pb, Cd, Cr, Se, Mn, and Cu were seen in cement workers compared to residents (p<0.05). Negative correlation was observed between duration of exposure and PEFR (r=-0.416, p=0.016) in cement workers. Conclusions. Cement dust inhalation may be associated with alterations in serum elements levels and lung and liver functions while long term exposure lowers peak expiratory flow rate

Element Content of Surface and Underground Water Sources around a Cement Factory Site in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Cement production is associated with heavy metal emissions and environmental pollution by cement dust. The degree of contamination of drinking water sources by major and trace elements present in cement dust generated by united cement factory (UNICEM) is still uncertain. This study estimated the element content of ground and surface water samples (hand-dug wells, boreholes and streams) around the factory site to determine the impact of cement dust exposure on the water levels of these elements. Methods: This study was conducted at UNICEM at Mfamosing, Akamkpa local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Drinking water samples (5 from each location) were collected from the cement factory quarry site camp, 3 surrounding communities and Calabar metropolis (45 km away from factory) serving as control. The lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganes (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) levels of samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and LSD post hoc at P = 0.05. Results: As and Pb content of samples from camp were above the WHO recommendations of 0.01mg/l and 0.01mg/l respectively. Chromium and cadmium content of all water samples were above and others below WHO recommendations. Water levels of Mn, Fe, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ca and Si were significantly elevated (though below WHO recommendations) in camp than other locations (P<0.05). Conclusion: Production of cement results in As, Pb, Cr and cd contamination of drinking water sources near the factory. Treatment of all drinking water sources is recommended before public use to avert deleterious health consequences

Falciparum malaria associated changes in biochemical indices in children

Metabolic disturbances associated with fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and changes in the synthetic functions of the liver are common complications of malaria and are dependent on the degree of parasitemia. Packed cell volume (PCV), random blood glucose (RBG), total bilirubin (TB), total proteins (TP), albumin, serum electrolytes [sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+)] and anion gap (AG) were determined in fifty children with malaria aged between 1-15 years and thirty age matched apparently healthy children without malaria, using colorimetric and flame photometric methods. Data was analyzed using t-test at p < 0.05. The PCV, RBG, Na+, Mg2+, AG and TP were significantly lower and Ca2+ and TB higher in children with malaria compared to children without malaria. The serum Na+, K+, AG, TP and albumin were significantly lower and Ca2+, HCO3- and TB higher in children with severe malaria compared to those with mild malaria. Malaria and high parasite density is associated with perturbations in homeostasis of proteins and electrolytes and these may be implicated in the deleterious consequences associated with malaria in children. [J Med Allied Sci 2017; 7(1.000): 29-33