O. Malm et al., EXPOSURE TO METALLIC MERCURY IN WORKERS IN A TROPICAL CHLORALKALI PLANT EVALUATED THROUGH URINE ANALYSIS, RIO-DE-JANEIRO, BRAZIL, Water, air and soil pollution, 97(1-2), 1997, pp. 185-191
Occupational exposure to Hg vapour was investigated in 78 workers duri
ng three periods with different temperatures: August 1991, December 19
91, and February 1992. Each individual was sampled twice in each perio
d; before and after a six working days period (with a two free days in
terval). As an attempt to normalise Hg excretion urine was sampled alw
ays after a normal 8 hours night sleeping and immediately frozen. Mine
ralisation was done with acid and oxidant mixture and determination by
cold vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (Varian VGA-76 and AA
-1475). Analytical accuracy was controlled by routine analysis of cert
ified reference material (Seronorm TM trace elements, Nycome As diagno
stics Olso - Norway) and all samples were analysed in triplicates. Of
a total of 355 samples analysed 13% were over the maximum limit for oc
cupational exposure (50 mu g . l(-1) or ppb). From the 78 individuals
investigated 13% presented average value smaller than 10 ppb; just 8%
had the average over 50 ppb; 64% showed averages smaller than 30 ppb;
and 28% were between 30 and 50 ppb. Seasonal variation was observed wi
th the highest values in the hottest periods. High variability was obs
erved in the same individual even within an interval of just few days
(seven days). No increase of Hg in urine after the six days of exposur
e was observed when compared with the values after the two free days i
nterval.