Question

The cement factory laborers are prone to:
A. Leukemia
B. Bone –marrow diseases
C. Asbestosis
D. Cytosilicosis

Answer 1

Hint: The cement, the most important material for constructions of building, is commonly used as a binding material at the construction sites. It is composed of a combination of a variety of chemicals such as silica, lime, alumina, iron and gypsum. The cement helps to bind any material using a process called a setting. It is considered as one of the most used commodities in the world.

Complete Answer:
- The workers in cement factories are prone to a variety of occupational hazards related to the respiratory system and lungs. One of such occupational hazards to which workers in cement factories are prone is cytosilicosis, as silica is one of the major components of the cement. It is a type of lung disease.
- As the name suggests it is caused by inhalation of fine crystalline silica dust. The workers in cement factories are exposed to crystalline silica dust which on inhaling enters their body and deposits in their lungs. The cytosilicosis is caused due to a person’s body reacting to the silica deposition taking place in their lungs.
- The most common and earliest symptoms include cough and difficulty in breathing. The continuous exposure to silica particles may lead to inflammation of lungs and permanent lung scarring.
- It is a progressive disease, so it will take 10-30 years to develop after first exposure of silica particles. Cytosilicosis doesn't have any cure, it can be prevented by following certain measures.
- It may cause complications such as tuberculosis, lung cancer and kidney diseases.

So, the option (D) is the correct option.

Note: Students might think that only people working in cement factories are prone to cytosilicosis. But, it is not true. As cytosilicosis is caused by inhalation of fine silica particles, any occupation where people are exposed to it can be affected. The list of such occupations include ceramic production, mining, steel industry, road repairing, glass manufacturing and roofing.