Study of Uncontrolled Cement Dust Exposure and Its Prolonged Effects on Glycemic Status and Renal Function Markers among Male Cement Handlers at Dalmia Cement Factory

Abstract

Environmental pollutants cause adverse impact on human body vital organs and ultimately leads to disease. It is of utmost importance to recognize those components or risk factors within individual’s surrounding that are associated with it. The current study has explored the persisting effects of cement dust on glycemic status and selected renal function markers between male cement handlers at Dalmia Cement Factory. This study revealed that prolonged and recurrent exposures, contingent on the length of time and sensitivity of factory workers exposed to cement dust particles, have caused deleterious complications and deteriorating health conditions particularly seen in their glycemic status and selected renal function markers. The finding results of this investigation demonstrated that uncontrolled cement dust- exposure causes significant commonness of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), prediabetes and derailed renal function markers among cement handlers (CH). The levels of HbA1c, 24 hours urinary sugar, blood urea, creatinine, bi-carbonate and serum electrolytes (Na⁺ and K⁺) is significantly increased in cement handlers as compared to non-cement handlers (NCH) as controls. In addition to this significant difference was recorded in the blood pressure levels among exposed group when compared with control subjects at Dalmia Cement Factory. The hyperglycemic and nephrotoxic consequences of cement dust and its potential for development of insulin resistance, T2DM disease and renal insufficiency might exacerbate if the exposure to cement dust among cement handlers is not controlled.