DECREASE IN SELENIUM STATUS IN RELATION TO COAL-DUST EXPOSURE

Selenium (Se) plasma levels were studied in 222 coal miners to assess whether selenium is decreased in relation to coal dust exposure, takin g age, alcohol, and tobacco consumption into account. Selenium levels decreased significantly with age and current tobacco consumption, amon g miners aged 34-50. Long-term and current exposure to coal dust were studied. The lowest Se values were observed for those with both long-t erm and current exposure (60.2 ng/ml), the highest for those never or slightly exposed (64.1 ng/ml); those with long-term exposure not curre ntly exposed fell in an intermediate position (61.3 ng/ml). No relatio n was observed with alcohol consumption. The association of coal dust with low selenium remained significant after adjustment for age and sm oking. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.