EFFECT OF SILICA DUST ON ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN GRANITE WORKERS

Abstract

Elemental form of silica reactive with various elements and forms silicates; however, combines either with oxygen to form silica (SiO2). Silica and silicates represent the majority of most kinds of rocks, clays and sands. Exposure to huge quantities of free silica is odourless, non-irritant, and does not produce any instant remarkable consequences. Globally adverse effects silica has raised and alarming public health concern and reported that over two million in Europe, twenty-three million silica-exposed people in China, three million in India, and in Thailand. The global burden of quarry industries is substantial; especially, occupational hazards and illnesses in developing countries. In most of the countries, the construction industry contributes significantly to gross domestic product. It plays a vital role in terms of socioeconomical development of the country. In the 19^th century, crushed stone dust was reported as potential material of choice for building durable roads, and constructions. Study results evidenced that most of the workers were not using protection equipment for better safety. It is far away from the occupational health and safety measures. Most of the equipment’s were made with fabric and low-quality material. Smoking habit of workers (37.9) and controls (66.7%) and was nearly 24-26 cigarettes per day. The catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activity levels were significantly depleted (p<0.0001) in exposed workers when compared with their respective control group. Data indicated that induction of oxidative stress and activation of immune system was associated with crystalline silica exposure.