Occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic in wood workers and taxidermists — air sampling and biological monitoring

Abstract

Arsenic exposure in the following occupational categories was evaluated: taxidermists, workers producing garden fences, workers producing weekend cottages, workers producing new houses, workers impregnating wood with chromium, copper, and arsenic (CCA) solutions, and workers impregnating electric pylons with arsenic solution. Airborne arsenic exposure was documented in 70% (19) of 27 individuals working with products containing arsenic. The maximum exposure concentration in this study was 17.3 μg As/m³, found in a single worker who was filling an impregnation container with CCA pasta. Median exposures of workers working indoors producing garden fences and weekend cottages were 3.7 and 0.9 μ/g As/m³, respectively. The sum of inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolites in urine samples was recorded in workers handling arsenic‐containing products, their colleagues, and controls (references). The maximum urine concentration recorded in this study was 294.5 nmol As/mmol creatinine and was from the injector impregnating electric pylons. The median concentration in urine samples from the group working on the electric pylons was 80.0 nmol As/mmol creatinine, six times the reference level. Urine arsenic levels in workers producing garden fences and in taxidermists were 2.9 and 1.8 times the reference level, respectively. The arsenic concentration in urine samples from individuals exposed to arsenic trioxide was 1.3 times the level in urine samples from individuals exposed to arsenic pentaoxide. The arsenic concentration in urine samples from colleagues of the people working with arsenic‐containing products was similar to the arsenic concentration in urine samples from the arsenic‐exposed workers. A statistically significant correlation was found between airborne arsenic exposure and arsenic concentrations in urine samples among people working in an indoor environment with CCA‐impregnated wood.

Notes

CurrentIy with Brüei and Kjær, Hovedgaden 118, 2850 Nærum, Denmark.