287. Correlation Between Urinary Nickel Levels and Observed “Total” and Inhalable Exposures in Nickel Refinery Workers

Werner, Mark; Thomassen, Yngvar; Hetland, Siri; Norseth, Tor; Berge, S. R.

doi:10.3320/1.2765420

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Although not addressed in the present study, a possible dependence of species distribution on particle size should be be considerably lower. Interestingly, Werner et al 26 have recently shown for nickel-matte roasting workers that the explored. It is conceivable that sulfation during the roasting process of nickel matte is particle-size dependent.…”

Section: Environmental Monitoringmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterisation of workers' exposure in a Russian nickel refinery

Thomassen¹,

Nieboer²,

Ellingsen³

et al. 1999

J. Environ. Monitor.

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In support of a feasibility study of reproductive and developmental health among females employed in the Monchegorsk (Russia) nickel refinery, personal exposure and biological monitoring assessments were conducted. The inhalable aerosol fraction was measured and characterised by chemical speciation and particle-size distribution measurements. Unexpected findings were that: (i), pyrometallurgical working environments had significant levels of water-soluble nickel; (ii), significant exposure to cobalt occurred for the nickel workers; (iii), particles of size corresponding to the thoracic and respirable fractions appeared to be virtually absent in most of the areas surveyed. The water-soluble fraction is judged to be primarily responsible for the observed urinary nickel and cobalt concentrations. It is concluded relative to current international occupational-exposure limits for nickel in air, and because of the high nickel concentrations observed in urine, that the Monchegorsk nickel workers are heavily exposed. The implication of this finding for follow-up epidemiological work is alluded to.

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Section: Environmental Monitoringmentioning

confidence: 99%