Investigation Effect of Free Radical Generated from Cement Dust on Antioxidant Enzymes Activities on Cement Factory Workers

This study investigated effects of cement dust on antioxidant enzymes activities of Obajana Cement factory workers. Sixty (60) workers in different units/sections exposed to cement dust and controls (unexposed to cement dust) were used for this study. Colorimetric method was used to analyze superoxide dismutase and catalase. The results showed that the oxidative stress indices showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the exposed worker as compared to control. SOD and CAT in the exposed workers were significantly increased in aged and long term duration of exposure of workers to cement dust. In this study the increased activity of these enzymes in workers working in cement dust area is an indication of effect of cement dust on human health. Therefore a program for prevention of the impact of such exposure to workers should be put in place.