Biochemical abnormalities in workers exposed to molybdenum dust.

Exposure to molybdenum in dust was measured in a molybdenite roasting plant. This exposure was accompanied by large elevations of serum ceruloplasmin and smaller increases in mean serum uric acid levels in the workers. Absorption of molybdenum from the dust was demonstrated by increases in plasma and urinary molybdenum levels. It remains necessary to demonstrate whether such exposure results in long-term health effects.