Occupational exposure profile of Pb, Mn, and Cd in nonferrous Brazilian sanitary alloy foundries

In addition to the primary components of alloys, approximately 5% of the formulation may contain other metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic, manganese (Mn), iron, phosphorus, and nickel. Workers in the foundries are exposed to several compounds; therefore, it is important to assess the levels of injury that may reflect an additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effect caused by these compounds. The mean values of the environmental evaluation of the facilities range from 16.65 to 40.3 mu g m(-3) for Pb, 0.99 to 1.73 mu g m(-3) for Cd, and 0.91 to 1.70 mu g m(-3) for Mn. The mean values of the metal concentrations for furnace, mold, melting, and automatic melting activities range from 15.37 to 19.26 mu g m(-3) for Pb, 7.07 to 9.14 mu g m(-3) for Cd, and 8.83 to 16.00 mu g m(-3) for Mn. Biological samples were divided into two groups: control (n = 38) and exposed (n = 45). The obtained data are3.41 +/- 3.40 and 14.89 +/- 7.82 mu g dL(-1) for Pb, 0.90 +/- 0.80 and 1.91 +/- 1.90 mu g g(-1) creatinine for Cd, and 0.51 +/- 0.40 and 3.17 +/- 1.93 mu g g(-1) creatinine for Mn. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p<0.05). Positive linear correlations were established between metal concentrations in the air and the biological matrixes: Pb (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), Cd (r = 0.81; p = 0.17), and Mn (r = 0.12; p < 0.03). Regression analysis showed that professional activities can interfere with element exposure profiles in occupational settings. The analysis in the event of exposure to metals in these companies allowed investigating whether the simultaneous exposure leads to biological damage even if the levels of the compounds are within the exposure limits that are considered to be safe.