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HERO ID
1060226
Reference Type
Book/Book Chapter
Title
Chromium and nickel
Author(s)
Norseth, T
Year
1984
Publisher
Hemisphere Publishing
Location
Washington, DC
Report Number
NIOSH/00165060
Book Title
Biological monitoring and surveillance of workers exposed to chemicals
Volume
Riihimaki
Issue
ED.
Page Numbers
49-59
Language
eng
Relationship(s)
is a chapter of
628748
Biological monitoring and surveillance of workers exposed to chemicals
Abstract
The biological monitoring of chromium (7440473) and nickel (7440020) is reviewed. From the analytical point of view, urine is the preferable indicator for both nickel and chromium exposures, and flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy is the method of choice. The toxicokinetics of chromium are discussed. Hexavalent-chromium (18540299) (CrVI) is rapidly taken up by organs, including the erythrocytes, while trivalent-chromium (16065831) (CrIII) is bound in plasma. CrVI is rapidly reduced to CrIII in-vivo. There is only limited data for estimating risk based on biological monitoring of chromium. The risk of developing respiratory cancer depends on both the oxidation state of chromium and the solubility of chromium compounds having the same oxidation state. Available data indicates that slightly soluble chromates are the most potent carcinogens. Chromium exposures cannot be predicted from urinary excretion in one group of workers or for a single worker based on the exposure to excretion relationship in other groups. The toxicokinetics of nickel are summarized. A significant correlation between nickel in plasma and urinary nickel concentrations in exposed workers has been noted. High nickel concentrations have also been found in sweat, human parotid saliva and scalp hair, but these are not considered useful for biological monitoring. Plasma, urine or scalp hair nickel concentrations cannot be used to assess sensitivity as they do not differ between hypersensitive and non hypersensitive individuals. The author concludes that nickel exposure for a single worker cannot be estimated by biological monitoring; however, biological monitoring is useful in evaluating changes of exposure over time.
Keywords
DCN-139020; Industrial environment; Trace metals; Occupational exposure; Workers; Industrial chemicals; Biology; Chemical analysis; Workplace studies; Biological effects; Trace analysis; Exposure limits; 7440-47-3; 7440-02-0; 18540-29-9; 16065-83-1
Editor(s)
Aitio, A; Riihimaki, V; Vainio, H
ISBN
9780891162537
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