[Biological monitoring in workers exposed to inorganic arsenic in a disused industrial plant in the area of Manfredonia]

G Ital Med Lav Ergon. 2007 Jul-Sep;29(3 Suppl):268-9.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolities were measured in 108 spot urine samples obtained from the medical surveillance programme of workers exposed to inorganic Arsenic in July 2006. 15% of the samples showed levels higher than limit value of 35 microg/L (mean value 23,9 microg/L). After the improvement of the working conditions, in August-October 2006, we collected a urinary sample from each of the 108 workers enrolled. A questionnaire was also administrated, in order to investigate the influence of occupational and non occupational factors on the urinary arsenic excretion. The median value of urinary arsenic was 15,12 microg/L; among the 108 samples, 5% showed levels higher than limit value. A significant difference was observed in relation with sea-food consumption and aging stratification. In conclusion, we have described a significant reduction of urinary arsenic excretion between the two phases of biological monitoring, likely due to a proper hygienic work-related intervention.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic / urine*
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Humans
  • Industry*
  • Italy
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Health*
  • Population Surveillance

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Arsenic