Cement dust exposure linked to significant lung function decline in workers and residentsCement factory dust causes significant lung function decline in workers

Frontiers in Medicine Published September 7, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

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Key Takeaway

Consider implementing stricter dust controls to mitigate lung function decline in cement-exposed populations.

This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence on the association between exposure to cement factory emissions and respiratory impairment in occupationally and environmentally exposed populations, including workers and nearby residents. The review focused on lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio) and respiratory symptoms, with chronic cough as a secondary outcome.

Pooled analyses revealed significant reductions in lung function among exposed individuals: FEV1 (SMD = -0.71), FVC (SMD = -0.56), and FEV1/FVC ratio (SMD = -0.57). Chronic cough was significantly more common in exposed groups, while other respiratory symptoms showed elevated but non-significant risks. The magnitude of effect suggests a clinically meaningful impact on lung health.

The authors acknowledge limitations, including inconsistent evidence across occupational and residential settings. The analysis did not report confidence intervals or absolute numbers, and the certainty of evidence was not assessed. The association, not causation, is emphasized, and occupational exposure may confer greater FEV1 impairment than residential exposure, though this was not formally tested.

These findings highlight the need for improved occupational safety measures and environmental emission controls to protect respiratory health in exposed populations. However, given the observational nature and heterogeneity, results should be interpreted cautiously and not overgeneralized.

Breathing in industrial dust can do lasting damage to the lungs. New research shows that people working in or living near cement factories face serious risks to their respiratory health. The study looked at how these emissions affect lung function and common symptoms like coughing.

Researchers found that people exposed to cement factory emissions had significant reductions in key lung measures, including FEV1 and FVC. These measurements track how much air a person can move out of their lungs. Additionally, these individuals were much more likely to suffer from a chronic cough. While other respiratory symptoms showed an increase, the results for those specific issues were not statistically significant.

It is important to note that the evidence was inconsistent between people working in the factories and those living nearby. While the data clearly shows a link between cement dust and lung issues, the exact impact can vary depending on the setting. These findings highlight why better safety measures and stricter emission controls are necessary to protect these communities.

What this means for you:

Exposure to cement factory dust is linked to significant lung function loss and more frequent chronic coughing.

Common questions

How does cement dust affect lung function?

Exposure to cement factory emissions leads to significant reductions in lung function measures, including FEV1, FVC, and the FEV1/FVC ratio. These tests measure how much air you can breathe out. The study also found that a chronic cough is significantly more common among people exposed to the dust.

Who is most at risk from these emissions?

The study focused on people in both occupational and residential settings. This means both workers inside the cement factories and people living in nearby neighborhoods are at risk of respiratory impairment from breathing in the dust and emissions.

Are the results consistent for everyone exposed?

The evidence was not consistent across all settings. While the link between cement dust and lung issues is clear, the impact can vary between those working in the factories and those living in nearby residential areas.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedSep 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

IntroductionCement manufacturing is a major contributor to industrial air pollution and releases particulate matter and toxic emissions, adversely affecting the respiratory health. Previous studies have reported respiratory impairment and its associated symptoms among exposed populations, yet the evidence remains inconsistent across occupational and residential settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to quantify the association between exposure to cement factory emissions and respiratory health outcomes, including lung function impairment and respiratory symptoms, among occupationally and environmentally exposed populations.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google scholar was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and December 2025. Observational studies assessing exposure to cement dust and respiratory outcomes among workers or nearby residents were included. Primary outcomes included Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and respiratory symptoms. Random effects model was used to perform meta-analysis using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of 18 studies were included. Exposure to cement factory dust was associated with significant reductions in FEV1 (SMD = −0.71), FVC (SMD = −0.56), and FEV1/FVC ratio (SMD = −0.57). Chronic cough was significantly more common among exposed individuals, while other respiratory symptoms showed elevated but non-significant risks. Occupational exposure to cement dust exposure demonstrated greater FEV1 impairment than residential exposure.ConclusionCement factory emissions are significantly associated with impaired pulmonary function and increased respiratory morbidity, highlighting the need for improved occupational safety measures and environmental emission controls.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251268913, CRD420251268913.

Cement dust exposure linked to significant lung function decline in workers and residentsCement factory dust causes significant lung function decline in workers

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Cement dust exposure linked to significant lung function decline in workers and residentsCement factory dust causes significant lung function decline in workers

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