HEMATOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS AMONG QUARRY WORKERS EXPOSED TO GRANITE DUST IN THAILAND

Abstract

The objective of this study is Granite quarry dust predominantly present at quarry sites. Exposure to quarry dusts is a major concern to the quarry workers and human beings. Lethal dust particles are detrimental to human’s health. Hence, it may be accountable for hematological alterations in exposed community. This paper is a first to investigate the alterations of hematological parameters and to mimic silica dust implications in exposed and control workers. A total 200 subjects were selected randomly and grouped as experimental (N = 100) and control (N = 100). Blood samples were collected and used for hematological analysis. The study indicates that 84% of the quarry workers have 12-17 years of exposure to the quarry dust. Significant alteration was observed among selected hematological profile of exposed workers when compared with their control groups. The levels of total leukocytes (TLC) increased significantly (P < 0.0001) in both the groups exposed to quarry dust. Results of this study indicate that the quarry dust particles insist inflammation in humans. A significant depletion was observed in red blood cells (RBC) in both exposed groups. Declined levels of red blood cells could be due to inflammation. Increased levels of eosinophils were observed in exposed group. Analysis of hematopoietic system alterations in quarry dust exposed workers are crucial to mimic the health effects of quarry dust, as biomarkers of quarry dust exposure, inventing a better and easy diagnosis develop preventive standards and to measure epidemiological surveillance. Granite quarry management should take initiative steps to frequent monitoring of their quarry workers.