ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO ARSENIC AMONG SMELTER WORKERS - A 5-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

In a group of 43 smelter workers exposed to inorganic arsenic dust for 13-45 years, nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) were significantly lo wer in two peripheral nerves as compared with matching referents. With multivariate data analysis, a significant negative correlation was fo und between cumulative absorption of arsenic and NCV in four examined nerves and the sural amplitude. Clinical symptoms of neuropathy and ot her symptoms related to arsenic exposure were moderate, though the dif ference between the groups was significant. The mean total absorption of arsenic was calculated to be less than 5 g, and the maximal absorpt ion about 20 g. These data indicate that the adverse effect of arsenic on the peripheral nerves is dependent on long-term exposure rather th an on short-term fluctuations in exposure levels. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.