Occupational exposure to silica dust and respiratory health risks among cement factory workers in a Liberian cement factory
Stephen Monday, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Gagandeep Singh, J. Samuel KamandaABSTRACT
Background:
Airborne pollution in industrial locations is one of the major occupational hazards for employees, especially in cement manufacturing companies such as the Liberia Cement Corporation Community (Cemenco) located in Monrovia, Liberia. Employees in these settings face multiple risks, among which is the inhalation of calcium silica dust, which can result in problems with the breathing system along with the overall well-being of the individual. This research explores airborne pollution and the risk of calcium silica exposure at the Liberia Cement Corporation Community (Cemenco) with an emphasis on the safety and health of the workers in the industry.
Objective:
This particular research project aimed to determine respiratory effects related to airborne dust pollution from silica, calcium carbonate, and calcium silicate, as well as the effectiveness of current safety measures and testable hypotheses at Liberia Cement Corporation Community in Liberia.
Methodology:
Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Monitoring calcium silica dust as well as other airborne pollutants was part of the air quality assessments. Health assessments for 974 workers included, but were not limited to, pulmonary function testing, self-reported survey of respiratory symptoms, and interrogational assessment of safety perception at the worksite.
Results:
The initial findings suggested airborne calcium silica levels at Liberia Cement Corporation Community (Cemenco) were higher than its international safety limit. Many of the workers reported having breathing problems with even greater proportion of chronic respiratory diseases like pneumoconiosis. Evaluating the safety measures highlighted a shortfall in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and deficient air filters.
Conclusion:
Cemenco workers’ wellness is endangered by airborne pollution, chiefly the exposure to calcium silica. Improved air filtration, enforcement of PPE policies, and health monitoring of workers are steps that need to be implemented for the safety of the workplace. There also needs to be more emphasis on the health risk and safety standard training programs.