Effects of Stone Dust Exposure on Some Liver and Kidney Related Serum Parameters of Stone Crush Plant Workers

Abstract

In the present study the effects of stone dust exposure on liver and kidney related serum parameters were assessed in workers of stone crush plants in various localities of Swat and Dir (L) districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The liver and kidney related serum parameters included Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and creatinine. Blood samples were collected from 66 exposed workers and 66 unexposed persons (control). The mean values of liver related parameters i.e. serum GPT, ALP and bilirubin of workers were significantly higher than control persons (P<0.05). The mean value of kidney related parameter i.e. creatinine of workers   was significantly higher as compared to control persons (P<0.05).  From the present survey it was concluded that continuous exposure to stone dust can cause abnormal alterations in the normal levels of serum GPT, ALP, bilirubin and creatinine.