Serum Aluminium Levels of Workers in the Bauxite Mines

Abstract

Background/Objective: Aluminium is produced from the mineral bauxite. Occupational exposure is reported during the industrial processing of aluminium and is associated with pulmonary and neurotoxicity. However, data on exposure and toxicity of workers in the open bauxite mining industry do not exist. Therefore, a study was performed to explore aluminium exposure in employees involved in this bauxite mining process in a Surinam mine. Methods/Design: A group of workers occupationally exposed to aluminium in an open bauxite mine were compared with a group of nonexposed wood processors. Serum aluminium was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Data from the clinical chemistry of the blood and a questionnaire were used to explore determinants for aluminium exposure. Results: No significant difference between serum aluminium in the exposed (4.4 α 2.0 μL, n = 27) and control group (5.1 α 1.5 μ/L, n = 27) was detected. For the serum concentration of the clinical chemical variables (calcium, citrate, and creatinine), a statistically significant difference was computed (p < 0.02) between the exposed and control group. All levels were slightly higher in the exposed group; no statistically significant correlations with serum aluminium were found. Conclusions: In this study, serum aluminium values were in the normal range, and no significant difference between the groups could be detected despite long-term occupational exposure.