Serum Clara cell protein as an indicator of pulmonary impairment in occupational exposure at aluminum foundry.

Objectives: Although some of the exposures in aluminum (Al) smelting have been well characterized, and respiratory disorders in aluminum production workers are well known, the relationship between internal aluminum loads and appropriate lung biomarkers have not been elucidated. The aim of our work was to carry out a comprehensive investigation in workers employed in the Aluminum Foundry Casting Department with special reference to currently existing hygiene standards, known as threshold limit values (TLV) based on aluminum effects on the respiratory system. The measurement of serum anti-inflammatory Clara cell protein (CC16) was employed as a peripheral marker of the lung epithelium function.

[The effect of combined exposure to chemical and physical factors on the nervous system during aluminum production: a preliminary finding].

Background: The authors present the results of medical examinations of workers employed in an aluminum electrolysis plant with occupational exposure to aluminum dust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and magnetic field.

Methods And Materials: The study covered a selected group of 39 male workers (mean age, 44,9; SD = 7.5 years; range 29-55 years) involved in the aluminum production.

[Neurologic and neurophysiologic examinations of workers occupationally exposed to aluminium].

Background: Studies conducted to assess aluminum (Al)-induced toxicity to humans and environment. It has been implicated that Al is involved in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, though this is controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess Al effects on the nervous system functions in workers chronically exposed to this metal.

[Determination of fumes and their elements from flux cored arc welding].

Background: The aim of this work was to assay the concentration levels and composition of welding fumes, released during flux cored arc welding, to assess exposure of welders.

Materials And Methods: Concentrations and welding fume components, such as iron, manganese, chromium (including the soluble and chromium VI), nickel, copper, calcium, aluminium, barium, and fluorides (including hydrogen fluoride) were determined in the air of six industrial plants (shipyards, mechanical engineering plants and a power station) at the breathing zones of the welders who used 10 types of wires during flux cored arc welding. The following determination methods were used: gravimetry (fumes), AAS (metals), and spectrophotometry (chromium VI, fluorides--including hydrogen fluoride).

Effects of occupational exposure to aluminum on nervous system: clinical and electroencephalographic findings.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of aluminum (Al) on the nervous system functions in workers chronically exposed to Al.

Materials And Methods: The study covered a selected group of 67 male workers (mean age, 38.7 SD 10.

[Assessment of exposure to toxic metals released during soldering and grazing processes].

The aim of the study was to assess toxic metal exposure in workers performing soldering and brazing operations. The study group included workers of three plants manufacturing electronic systems, household equipment and electric motors. Membrane filters were used to collect 50 air samples, including personal 8-h samples to assess average weighed concentration of soldering and brazing fumes and their elements, and to assay respirable dust and "background" or "area" samples.

Evaluation of occupational exposure to toxic metals released in the process of aluminum welding.

The objective of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to welding fumes and its elements on aluminum welders in Polish industry. The study included 52 MIG/Al fume samples and 18 TIG/Al samples in 3 plants. Air samples were collected in the breathing zone of welders (total and respirable dust).