Cadmium and zinc determination by neutron activation analysis and biochemical tests in tissues of workers professionally exposed to cadmium

Abstract

Cadmium and zinc levels in urine, serum, hair obtained from workers professionally exposed to cadmium oxide dust and from a control, nonoccupationally exposed group were determined by neutron activation analysis. The study was completed by biochemical monitoring tests such as the β2 (β2-MG) determination in urine and serum and the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) determination in blood. Significantly increased levels of cadmium in urine, serum, and hair, β2-MG in urine and serum, ALAD in blood and decreased levels of zinc in serum were found in the exposed group compared to the control group. The most distinct differences of the parameters studied were observed for cadmium in hair. Correlations among the parameters were preliminary evaluated, too. For quality assurance purposes, the cadmium and zinc concentrations were determined in biological (standard) reference materials NBS SRM-1577 Bovine Liver, Bowen's Kale, IAEA A-11 Milk Powder, and IAEA H-8 Horse Kidney.