Genomic Instability in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Cement Dust

Abstract

ABSTRACT newline One of the industries where workers are remarkably exposed to dust is cement industry. Several studies have been conducted among workers exposed to cement dust in factories and construction sites, but few were concentrated among loading and unloading workers of warehouses. Also, the genomic instability in buccal cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes were not analyzed in detail in previous studies. So the present study was undertaken to find out the effect of cement dust exposure among workers of cement warehouses. This study was conducted among 82 exposed (cement dust) and 82 non-exposed individuals. Frequency of symptoms, biochemical parameters was analyzed. Spirometric parameters recorded were, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% and PEF rate. The incidence of genomic biomarkers in exfoliated buccal cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes were also analysed. FEV1 and FVC showed significant reduction while FEV1/FVC were normal. No significant changes were seen in LFT and RFT. Frequency of genotoxic and cytotoxic biomarkers were higher in the exposed compared to the non-exposed groups. All these parameters were increased significantly which represented chromosomal damage, nuclear disintegration and increased cell death. newlineContinuous exposure to cement dust will result in increased frequency of nuclear aberrations and cellular apoptosis. This may lead to defects in genome mainte¬nance, ac-celerated ageing, chances of oral carcinoma and neuro-degeneration. Efforts should be made to improve the air quality at these occupational areas and the usage of preventive measures such as protective devices must be made mandatory. A continuous biomonitoring of health status must be initiated for these employees and awareness campaigns regarding the exposure and use of standardized protective devices must be mandated. newline