The Relation Between Pulmonary Functions and Serum Biomarkers of Lung Diseases Among Workers Exposed to Calcium Carbonate

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between pulmonary function and serum biomarkers among Egyptian workers occupationally exposed to ultrafine calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) particles, which can penetrate biological membranes and accumulate in the lungs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 nonsmoking males: 40 CaCO 3 -exposed workers and 40 matched controls. Participants underwent medical and occupational history taking, clinical examination, spirometry, and serum biomarker measurement (Clara cell protein 16 [CC16], matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1]). RESULTS: Exposed workers demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms along with significantly reduced pulmonary function indices. They also showed decreased CC16 and elevated MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels. Biomarkers correlated with lung function decline and exposure duration. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic CaCO 3 exposure was associated with increased respiratory risk, necessitating protective workplace measures.