Impact of Airborne Pollutants Emitted from Cement Plants on Liver Function: A Review
Pollution and liver function
Keywords:
Pollution, cement plant, airborne, liver function test, ALT, AST, ALP.Abstract
This literature review addressed the impact of air pollutants emitted from cement plants on liver functions, with a focus on the pathological mechanisms and the physiological and biochemical changes resulting from chronic exposure to industrial pollutants. Studies have shown that the cement industry is a significant source of air pollution due to the continuous emissions of fine particles, industrial dust, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals, which have serious health effects on humans. Recent research has indicated that the fine particles and heavy metals produced by cement plants can enter the body through the respiratory system, then move into the bloodstream and reach the liver, leading to multiple cellular and functional disorders. Studies also demonstrated a clear relationship between chronic exposure to cement dust and elevated liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, and ALP, in addition to increased indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have also indicated that oxidative stress represents the primary mechanism in the occurrence of liver damage caused by air pollutants, as free radicals lead to damage to cell membranes and mitochondria and stimulate chronic inflammation within liver tissues. Some studies have also shown that long-term exposure to industrial pollutants may be associated with the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and metabolic disorders. Professional studies have shown that workers in cement factories, especially in grinding, packing, and firing units, are most susceptible to health effects due to high levels 1 of direct exposure to industrial dust and suspended particles. Therefore, this review emphasizes the importance of implementing environmental control measures, improving filtration and ventilation systems, and conducting regular medical examinations for workers to reduce health effects associated with industrial air pollutants .
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