Occurrence of respiratory and skin problems among manual stone-quarrying workers

摘要: An evaluation of dust-related problems associated with manual stone quarrying at Lokpa in Umuchieze, a rural community Umunneochi Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria was carried out. The major objectives were to ascertain the nature parent rock material from which quarry workers inhale dust, and establish if there is positive relationship between occurrence symptoms respiratory disease skin dermatoses. elemental analysis silica content materials dust samples out three sites designated A,B, C. Questionnaires administered 270 control population 290 non-quarry workers. smokers asthmatics removed leaving sample size 202 220 questionnaires used inhalation knowledge about health implications their work also assessed. Elemental analyses showed that resulting particles contained iron, zinc, cadmium, nickel, lead, chromium, barium, beryllium, aluminium. Exposure these metals are known cause pneumoconiosis. test proportion (p≥0.05) shows an association About 83% know exposes them hazards but cannot quit owing poverty or lack social welfare etc. This study indicative can be extrapolated pockets other stone-quarrying communities Nigeria. There need for further studies occupational exposure especially developing countries.