Study on Urinary Trace Elements Pb, Cd, and Ni Concentrations in Steel Production Workers

• Main Authors: Ching-Jyi Horng, 洪清吉
• Other Authors: Cherng-Chyi Tzeng
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2001
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/74636192645125013336

碩士 === 高雄醫學大學 === 藥學研究所碩士在職專班 === 89 === The aim of our investigation is to determine the concentrations of trace elements ( Pb, Cd and Ni ) in urine of steel production workers in Taiwan under routine clinical laboratory conditions. The assess the reliability of these methods, critical factors such as detection limit(s), calibration range(s), cost, accuracy and precision are studied. The established method is employed for the quantitative determination of three toxic metals in urine samples from steel production and quality control (QC) workers and healthy unexposed controls. After pretreatment with acids, the samples are digested via a common microwave system. These samples are determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry ( GFAAS ). Quality control for these procedures was established with the concurrent analysis of Standard Trace Metals 7879 Level II and NIST SRM 2670 (Toxic Elements in Freeze Dried Urine). The results indicated that the urinary lead, cadmium, and nickel levels of the production and quality control workers are significantly higher than those of the controls. The possible connection of these elements with the etiology of disease is discussed. The results also show the need for immediate improvements in workplace ventilation and industrial hygiene practices.