A Study of Biochemical Changes in Occupational Exposure of Portland Cement among Construction Workers in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Cement used in building and various construction works is a complex mixture of several metal oxides, silicates and miscellaneous compounds. In India, laborers involved in construction work are constantly exposed to the cement various ways. Biochemical effects of the occupational exposure in 31 workers were assessed by Aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase, Calcium, Magnesium, Maolondialdehyde and Ascorbate levels in serum. It was found that serum ALT, AST and calcium levels were elevated as compared to the controls. The Dirties ratio was significantly higher in the workers. The lipid peroxidation index was higher while ascorbate level was significantly lower in the cases. It is concluded that the construction worker show marginal alteration in liver functions which is secondary to oxidative stress generated by complex interaction of toxic cement compounds.