Analysis of the Relationship between Cement Dust Exposure and Transforming Growth Factor- β1 (TGF- β1) Levels and Lung Function of Workers in the Cement Industry

Lung illness may arise as a result of the cement industry's production of cement dust. Lung illness can result from the buildup of cement dust in the lungs, which can impair lung function. Inflammation is a hallmark of lung illness and can raise TGF-β1 levels. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the connection between lung function and cement dust exposure and TGF-β1. This research employed a cross-sectional methodology, carried out in the Pangkajene Islands' Tonasa Cement Industry. Following their inclusion in the research, all employees were divided into exposed and unexposed groups. All individuals had lung function tests (FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC) and TGF-β1 levels. SPSS version 29.0 was used for data analysis. This research involved 103 workers in total. There were 40 individuals in the unexposed group and 63 individuals in the exposed group. TGF-β1 levels and cement dust exposure were significantly correlated (p<0.001). Exposure to cement dust did not significantly affect FEV1 (p=0.467) or FVC (p=0.162). Dust exposure and FEV1/FVC were significantly correlated (p<0.001). In summary, exposure to dust can raise TGF-β1 levels and impact pulmonary function disorders.