OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CEMENT FACTORY EMISSIONS ON RENAL FUNCTION IN OKPELLA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Cement production is a major industrial activity associated with environmental and occupational pollution, particularly through particulate matter and heavy metal emissions. Prolonged exposure to cement dust may result in systemic toxicity, including renal dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of cement factory exposure on renal biochemical parameters among factory workers and residents in Okpella, Edo State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed. One hundred participants were recruited: 25 factory workers, 25 residents within 5 km of the factory, and 50 controls with no known exposure. Serum creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium levels were measured. Data were analyzed using t-tests with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Cement workers exhibited significantly higher serum creatinine (1.3 ± 0.2 mg/dL) compared to controls (0.7 ± 0.2 mg/dL; p=0.01). Urea levels were elevated in workers (58.2 ± 5.6 mg/dL) relative to controls (46.2 ± 13.4 mg/dL; p=0.001). Serum sodium was significantly higher in workers (150.4 ± 10.6 mmol/L) than in controls (146.0 ± 4.7 mmol/L; p=0.001). Potassium levels were also increased in workers (4.5 ± 1.0 mmol/L) compared to controls (3.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p=0.004). Similar trends were observed among residents, though with less magnitude. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to cement factory emissions is associated with altered renal biochemical parameters, suggesting potential early renal impairment among workers and residents. Periodic medical screening, dust exposure reduction strategies, and environmental monitoring are recommended to mitigate renal health risks in industrial communities