The effect of work environment on the biochemical profile of workers operating at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant

This study explored biochemical parameters of blood in workers operating in the main workshops at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant: magnesium (Mg) workshop (furnace operator, chlorinator operator, and electrolyzer operator), titanium tetrachloride workshop (mill operator and titanium (Ti) production operator), and Ti sponge workshop (reduction furnace operator, knockout operator, and crushing machine operator). The control group consisted of 112 male workers, whose duties were not related to similar occupational hazards (plumbers, electricians, janitors cleaning the administrative building, security guards, and carpenters). The activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholinesterase, alkaline phosphate, and α-amylase and the concentration of serum calcium, Mg, phosphorus, and chloride ion were measured. To clarify the nature of pathological changes that occur in the body of mammals under the influence of toxic gases and dust, this study also included 130 sexually mature, white female rats. Animals and workers were exposed to examination of the same indicators. Changes in test results of enzymes and minerals indicated a negative impact that harmful production factors may have had on the bodies of workers. Findings showed significant fluctuations in enzyme and mineral blood profiles of workers as compared to controls. In the test animals, changes in the enzyme activity and mineral blood composition were as diverse as in the workers. These findings will be useful when identifying markers of a negative impact of harmful substances in an industrial workplace and when developing measures to prevent employees from developing an occupational disease.

A study of the influence of working conditions on indicators of industrial injuries in foundrie

The influence of working conditions on workers in the foundry production is considered. The results of the analysis of industrial injuries in foundries with different nature of production are given. It is noted that the most of accidents at the place of their incident falls on the fettler-cleaning shops, forming and melting-pouring shops of foundries, and the most traumatic professions are fettler-cleaner, former, furnace-operator, filler and repairman. Analysis of the causes of industrial injuries in foundries showed that about 74% of all industrial injuries occur due to organizational reasons, for technical reasons – about 16%, for sanitary and hygienic reasons – about 7% and for psychophysiological reasons – about 3%.

Elemental Mercury Exposure

In Reply.— Dr Swinehart describes a case of mercury toxicity in a child of a furnace operator who worked in a mercury smelter. In Vermont we identified mercury exposure in workers and children as measured by urinary mercury content (Pediatrics 1987;79:935-938). We failed, however, to find clinical cases of mercurialism. As stated in our article, engineering and clothing barriers will help to protect workers and workers' children at home from mercury and other heavy metal exposure.