Occupational exposure to metals and other elements in the tractor production.

Background: Exposure to metals via air sampling in workplace has been extensively studied; however, the magnitude of individual exposure in various occupational groups may vary dramatically. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to ascertain exposure to selected metals from metal fumes in a series of typical workplaces of contemporary tractor production.

Methods: Ninety-eight (median age 41 (interquartile range (IQR) 23) years, all men) workers from Minsk Tractor Plant were categorized into four groups, including assembly shop workers (group 1); thermal shop staff (group 2); steelmakers (group 3) and welders (group 4).