Question

Cement factory labourers are prone to:
(A). Leukemia
(B). Bone marrow disease
(C). Asbestosis
(D). Cytosilicosis

Answer 1

- Hint: Consider the elements present in cement. The disease symptoms shown by cement factory workers include – cough, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc. This disease is caused by inhaling a toxic substance.

Complete step-by-step solution -

Cytosilicosis, as the name suggests, is caused by Silica. It is an occupational hazard, very commonly diagnosed in cement factory workers. Cement contains high amounts of silica. When crystalline silica dust gets in the atmosphere, there are high chances of inhaling it and hence developing respiratory diseases or lung infections.
The side effects of inhaling silica include – cough, fatigue, fever, chest pain, inflammation and scarring in the upper lobes of lungs, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, etc. Silica dust can also result in damage to pulmonary macrophages – hence, can increase the person’s susceptibility to tuberculosis.

Therefore, the answer is option (d) – Cytosilicosis.

Additional Information:
The best method to prevent Cytosilicosis is reducing the exposure to silica dust as much as possible. This can be achieved by giving the proper protective gear to the worker. Another method that could be used in cement factories, is to use water spray so that the dust particles settle down.

Note: Lime is present in the largest amount ($60$to $67$) in cement. Silica is present as Silica dioxide -$Si{{O}_{2}}$ in cement. It is present in the second largest amount ($17$to $25$). It is obtained from sources such as sand, rocks, etc. Presence of silica in cement is necessary for the