Scholars International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology (SIJAP)
Volume-3 | Issue-05 | 41-46
Original Research Article
Comparative Assessment of Haematological Changes Among Workers Exposed to Rice Husk Dust at Abakaliki Rice Mill
Ejike Felix Chukwurah, Celestine O Igwe, Felix Chinedum Chukwurah, Onyekachi Ewa Ibe, Anil Tukaram Pawar
Published : May 25, 2020
Abstract
Background: Rice is currently the major stable food for most Nigerians and rice farming and local processing has become popular with the recent ban on importation. Health hazards associated with occupational exposure to rice husk dust have been documented even among developed countries with advanced technology in rice processing. Aim: We assessed possible effect of longtime exposure to husk dust on some haematological parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted at Abakaliki Rice Mill, Ebonyi State –Nigeria on 80 workers (male36, female 44) between 18-61years and 56 age/sex-matched manual workers not exposed to husk dust. The haematological parametes; PCV, ESR, total and differential leucocyte counts were estimated using standard methods. Results: Majority of the workers were female. There were significant differences in PCV, ESR and differential leucocyte counts (P>0.05) between workers exposed to rice husk dust and control. The total WBC count did not show any significant difference when compared. However significant increases were observed in the relative WBC differentials in lymphocytes, monocyte and eosinophil counts and significant decrease in differential neutrophil count. Significant relationships were observed between ESR/neutrophil, ESR/lymphocyte and neutrophil/lymphocytes in both exposed workers and control. Conclusion: Exposure to rice husk dust is significantly associated with variations in haematological parameters and invariably health status. Therefore improved occupational health safety through the use of personal protective equipment and regular health check is advocated.