Aluminium Monitoring in Occupational Health : a Mini Review

Aluminium (Al) is a commonly encountered metal that has proven deleterious health outcomes; including neurological; respiratory and other systemic effects. There is growing awareness of the need to identify workers who have an increased burden of Al in order to avoid further exposure and to institute remedial action as appropriate. This need requires accurate identification of such workers. This paper examines the metabolism of Al with the aim of suggesting effective biomonitoring methods

Testing for Drugs of Abuse: Part 1

Drugs of abuse are commonly encountered in the workplace and the occupational health specialist is often asked to perform and interpret tests to check for the presence of such substances. A clear understanding regarding the limitations of testing is required for this purpose as this field has many potential pitfalls. This is the first of two articles that provide a broad overview of the commonly encountered drugs of abuse (DOA); the biological samples that can be used; possible interferants and adulterants that may be encountered; and the role of the laboratory and pathologist. The second article in this series examines the technology involved; looking briefly at immunoassays and mass spectrometry; and issues regarding cut-points and interpretations

Testing for Drugs of Abuse - Part 2

This is the second article in this series. The first looked at some of the commonly encountered drugs of abuse; discussed the range of samples on offer; established why urine is the preferred matrix; and addressed methods of sample adulteration. Part 2 briefly discusses immunoassay technology; the means to comment on the integrity of a sample and issues regarding cut-points and interpretations. The necessity for confirmatory testing of positive test results is discussed and the use of a mass spectrometric method is recommended for this purpose

Assessing Lead Levels in Occupational Health : a Mini-Review

Lead is a well-established toxin that continues to pose a health risk. Blood lead levels (BLLs) and urinary chelatable lead are the tests of choice for assessing acute and chronic toxicity. We highlight some of the other tests available. As occupational exposure to lead is often accompanied by other toxic heavy metal exposure; measuring whole blood heavy metal levels should be considered for workers with chronically elevated BLLs

Mercury; the elusive heavy metal

Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment and therefore every human being; irrespective of age or location; is exposed to one form of mercury or another. The major source of environmental mercury is natural degassing of the earth's crust; whilst industrial activities can raise exposure to toxic levels directly or the through the use of liquid metals or synthesised mercurial compounds.1 Mercury still gives rise to accidental and occupational exposure. The aim of this mini review is to describe the main factors that influence mercury toxicity and provide a framework for the interpretation of mercury