ABSTRACT
Case reports of indium-related lung disease in workers have raised public concern to the human toxicity of indium (In) and its compounds. However, studies evaluating the exposure or health of workers in In smelting plants are rare. Therefore, in this study, we focused on four In smelting plants, with the main objective of characterizing In in smelter plants in China and discussing the potential exposure biomarkers of In exposure. We recruited 494 subjectsat four In smelting plants in China. Personal air samples, first morning urine and spot blood samples were collected. In concentrations in samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In concentrations in air samples did not exceed the permissible concentration-time weighed average, but the smelter workers had a higher internal exposure to In. Positive correlations were observed between the air In and urine In concentrations, and between the air In and blood In concentrations. This study provides basic data for the following In exposure and health risk assessment.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Air Pollutants, Occupational , Blood , Urine , Biomarkers , Blood , Urine , China , Environmental Monitoring , Indium , Blood , Urine , Mass Spectrometry , Metallurgy , Occupational ExposureABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop the certified reference material of mercury in lyophilized human urine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human urine samples from normal level mercury districts were filtered, homogenized, dispensed, lyophilized and radio-sterilized. Homogeneity test, stability inspection and certification were conducted using a atom fluorescence spectrophotometric method. The physical and chemical stability of the certified reference material were assessed for 18 months. The certified values are based on analysis made by three independent laboratories.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The certified values are as follows: low level was (35.6 ± 2.1) µg/L, high level was (50.5 ± 3.0) µg/L.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The certified reference material of mercury in lyophilized human urine in this research reached the national certified reference material requirements and could be used for the quality control.</p>
