| Afiliação do(s) autor(es): | [1] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, Rua Santa Adelia 166, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil
[2] Comissao Nacl Energia Nucl, Ipen CNEN SP Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, Ctr Quim & Meio Ambiente, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Hosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Quim Especial Med Diagnost & Prevent, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[4] Fundacao Jorge Duprat Figueiredo Seguranca & Med, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Número total de Afiliações: 4
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Background: Some raw materials applied in Fe foundry industries may contain potentially toxic elements. Thus, foundry worker's occupational exposure is a constant health concern. Method: In this study, 194 urine samples from foundry workers were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for biomonitoring of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Se, U and Zn. Moreover, arsenic speciation was performed in representative samples of production sector workers (group A) and administration sector workers (group B). Results: Concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cs, I, Sb in urines from group A were higher than those found for group B. Samples of group A presented Cs, Ni, Mn, Pb, U and Zn concentrations higher than values reported for exposed workers assessed by other studies. Forty-four samples from group A exceed As-reference limits. Group A had approximately seven times more inorganic As (as arsenite) and 14 times more organic As (as dimethyl As) than group B. A statistically significant difference was observed in the elemental concentration in the workers' urine by the time in the function. Moreover, alcohol consumption is probably influencing the urine concentration of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, I, Se and Zn. Conclusion: The monitored foundry workers are exposed to potentially toxic elements and more attention must be given to their health. Therefore, workplace safety conditions must be improved, and constant biomonitoring is necessary to ensure workers' health. (AU) |