Characteristics of Decreased Pulmonary Function and Clinical Symptoms in Nickel Electroplating Workers

OBJECTIVE:To investigate health problems, especially pulmonary function, among electroplating workers exposed to nickel. METHODS:We recruited 153 nickel-exposed and 74 control workers from electroplating shops in printed circuit board production plants. Questionnaires were conducted to collect basic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2018-04, Vol.60 (4), p.337-342
Main Authors: Tsao, Yu-Chung, Chang, Ya-Ching, Gu, Po-Wen, Tzeng, I-Shiang, Luo, Jiin-Chyuan John
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Electroplating
Exposure
Health problems
Health risk assessment
Lung diseases
Nickel
Occupational exposure
Occupational hazards
Occupational health
Plating
Pulmonary functions
Respiratory function
Respiratory tract
Skin
Urine
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Summary:OBJECTIVE:To investigate health problems, especially pulmonary function, among electroplating workers exposed to nickel. METHODS:We recruited 153 nickel-exposed and 74 control workers from electroplating shops in printed circuit board production plants. Questionnaires were conducted to collect basic information. Symptoms and pulmonary function were ascertained. RESULTS:The average urine nickel level of the 79 high-exposure, 74 low-exposure, and 74 control workers were 7.38 ± 5.96, 5.79 ± 4.75, and 5.27 ± 3.89 μg/g Cr, respectively. Nickel-exposed workers had a significantly higher incidence of skin- and airway-based symptoms. A significant relationship between impaired pulmonary function and high (more than5.2 μg/g Cr) urine nickel level was observed. CONCLUSIONS:Nickel-exposed workers had significantly higher urine nickel levels with more skin-, airway-based symptoms, as well as impaired pulmonary function. A dose–response relationship between decreased pulmonary function and nickel exposure status was observed.
ISSN:1076-2752
1536-5948
DOI:10.1097/JOM.0000000000001204