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Results of biomonitoring of exposure to toxic metals of manufacturing workers in Ukraine in 2002–2022

Results of biomonitoring of exposure to toxic metals of manufacturing workers in Ukraine in 2002–2022

ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.19, No 1, 2023


https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2023.01.026

Results of biomonitoring of exposure to toxic metals of manufacturing workers in Ukraine in 2002–2022

Andrusyshyna I.M., Lampeka O.G., Golub I.O.
SI "Yu Kundiiev Institute for Occupational Health of the NAMS of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine


 Full article (PDF): ENG / UKR

Introduction. The article reflects the results of biomonitoring of toxic metals in the biological media of workers at various industries associated with exposure to Al, Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ag, Mn, Fe. As a result of the analysis of modern literature, it is shown that the concept of norm is not a constant value due to the heterogeneity of geochemical impact on living conditions, harmful habits, nutrition, age and gender differences and time.

The aim of the study. To evaluate and generalize the results developed over the last 20 years to assess the content of toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Al, Mn, Fe, Ag) in the biological media of the adult population and workers exposed to various toxic metals.

Materials and methods. The content of toxic metals and essential trace elements was determined in the biological media of healthy individuals - volunteers (hair, whole blood, blood serum) and battery workers, welders, radio assemblers, water workers, miners, jewelers. To determine the content of toxic metals and essential elements, an optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (OES-IСP) along with methods of mathematical statistics were used.

Conclusions. The content of toxic metals in the biological media of the population and workers was not a constant value over time. Reference levels of the content of toxic metals and essential macro- and trace elements due to the use of different methodological approaches and laboratory equipment during their determination have significant fluctuations in values. In the biological media of the population, over time, depending on the region of residence and the nature of environmental pollution, the reference values ​​can change significantly. Clinical laboratory diagnosis of intoxication of those working in hazardous conditions and the population requires the introduction in Ukraine of new approaches to the biological regulation of toxic metals and essential trace elements in human biological environments and the approval of regulations taking into account age characteristics and the region of residence.

Keywords: toxic metals, essential trace elements, biological media (blood and hair), reference values, exposure markers, biological monitoring, industrial exposure.

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