Chromium Exposure and Hygienic Behaviors in Printing Workers in Southern Thailand

Objectives. The main objective of this study was to assess the chromium exposure levels in printing workers. The study evaluated the airborne, serum, and urinary chromium levels and determines any correlation between level of chromium in specimen and airborne chromium levels. Material and Methods. A...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Toxicology 2015-01, Vol.2015 (2015), p.113-121
Main Author: Decharat, Somsiri
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Chromium
Free radicals
Health aspects
Hygiene
Interviews
Laboratories
Membrane filters
Occupational safety
Questionnaires
R&D
Research & development
Screen printing
Skin
Studies
Urine
Workers
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Summary:Objectives. The main objective of this study was to assess the chromium exposure levels in printing workers. The study evaluated the airborne, serum, and urinary chromium levels and determines any correlation between level of chromium in specimen and airborne chromium levels. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 75 exposed and 75 matched nonexposed subjects. Air breathing zone was measured by furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum and urine samples were collected to determine chromium levels by graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometer chromium analyzer. Results and Discussion. The printing workers’ urinary chromium levels ( 6.86 ± 1.93 μg/g creatinine) and serum chromium levels ( 1.24 ± 1.13 μg/L) were significantly higher than the control group ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 ). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene were significantly associated with urinary chromium level and serum chromium levels ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 ). This study found a correlation between airborne chromium levels and urinary chromium levels ( r = 0.247 , p = 0.032 ). A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary and serum chromium levels were shown in this study. Conclusion. Improvements in working conditions, occupational health training, and PPE use are recommended to reduce chromium exposure.
ISSN:1687-8191
1687-8205
DOI:10.1155/2015/607435