Exposure Risk Assessment in an Aluminium Salvage Plant

Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate possible nervous or respiratory system effects from occupational aluminium exposure. Methodology: Exposed workers in A 1 salvage plant were compared with controls. The investigation involved a standardized occupational and medical history and assessments of At levels in ambiance, serum, and urine. This was combined with an evaluation of respiratory complaints, lung, and cognitive functions. Results: Thirty workers exposed to At were matched to 60 individuals without exposure to Al. Significantly higher internal doses of At in urine were found in exposed workers (11.59 mu g/L), when compared with the controls (4.37 mu g/L). Few high At atmospheric levels were obtained (0.12-10.86 mg/m3). No significant differences concerning respiratory or neurological symptoms prevalence between the two groups were reported. Discussion: Chronic exposure to At dust, at the levels documented in this study over the German limit values, does not induce measurable cognitive decline. (J Occup Environ Med. 2009;51:1267-1274)