Baseline blood levels of manganese, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in residents of Beijing suburb.

Baseline blood concentrations of metals are important references for monitoring metal exposure in environmental and occupational settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the blood levels of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) among the residents (aged 12-60 years old) living in the suburb southwest of Beijing in China and to compare the outcomes with reported values in various developed countries. Blood samples were collected from 648 subjects from March 2009 to February 2010.

[Distribution of chromium in whole blood and urine among general population in China between year 2009 and 2010].

Objective: To evaluate the chromium (Cr) levels in blood and urine among general population in China between 2009 and 2010, and thereby to analyze its prevalent features.

Methods: From year 2009 to 2010, a total of 11 983 subjects of general population aged between 6 and 60 year-old were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland, by cluster random sampling method. The information about their living environment and health status were collected by questionnaire, and 11 983 blood samples and 11 853 urine samples were also collected.

[Investigation of occupational hazards of ultraviolet radiation and protective measures for workers in electric welding].

Objective: To investigate and analyze the occupational hazards of ultraviolet radiation, protective measures and related factors for typical symptoms among workers in electric welding, and to provide basic information for revision of the occupational standards of UV.

Methods: Questionnaires and physical examinations were used in this investigation. A total of 828 workers from four vehicle manufacturers in Beijing and Guangdong Province were selected.

[An assembly line lighting survey analysis and its optimal illumination range research].

Objective: To investigate and analyze present conditions of the assembling line illumination in our country, and to set the recommended values of illuminance standard.

Methods: Questionnaires and field surveys were used in this investigation. A total of 752 workers from seven factories in textile, shoes and electronics industries were selected for the questionnaire survey and site measurement, and corresponding analyses made with SPSS 13.

[Altered systemic iron metabolism in welders exposed to manganese].

Objective: To investigate the systemic changes of iron metabolism following manganese exposure.

Methods: Ninety-seven welders and 91 workers with no history of exposure to manganese were recruited from the same factory in Beijing serving as the exposure group and the control group respectively. The welding rods used were type J422.

Alteration of serum concentrations of manganese, iron, ferritin, and transferrin receptor following exposure to welding fumes among career welders.

This study was performed to determine airborne manganese levels during welding practice and to establish the relationship between long-term, low-level exposure to manganese and altered serum concentrations of manganese, iron, and proteins associated with iron metabolism in career welders. Ninety-seven welders (average age of 36 years) who have engaged in electric arc weld in a vehicle manufacturer were recruited as the exposed group. Welders worked 7-8h per day with employment duration of 1-33 years.

Occupational exposure to welding fume among welders: alterations of manganese, iron, zinc, copper, and lead in body fluids and the oxidative stress status.

Welders in this study were selected from a vehicle manufacturer; control subjects were from a nearby food factory. Airborne manganese levels in the breathing zones of welders and controls were 1.45 +/- SD1.