Depressive Clinical Manifestations Associated with Professional Aluminum Exposure

Laurentiu Coman,Florin Epureanu,Alexandru Ulmeanu,Adelina-Mihaela Enache,Oana Andreia Coman,Ion Fulga,Claudia Mariana Handra,Isabel Ghita

doi:10.37358/rc.19.6.7297

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between professional aluminum exposure and depression. The study was performed on a number of 99 subjects exposed to aluminum, during a professional activity of 8 to 38 years in the aluminum production industry. The control group was represented by 36 subjects from the administrative sector. Chronically exposure to aluminum determined: headache, insomnia, apathy, asthenia, and a decrease in libido. Moreover, depression was more frequent in subjects chronically exposed to aluminum.

Highlights

The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between professional aluminum exposure and depression
Its neurotoxic effects are manifested as coordination problems, sedation, memory affliction, but it is involved in depression and anxiety mechanisms [1]
Headache, insomnia, apathy, asthenia were the main symptoms investigated in the medical questionnaire, symptoms we considered crucial in depression

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between professional aluminum exposure and depression. Exposure to aluminum determined: headache, insomnia, apathy, asthenia, and a decrease in libido. Depression was more frequent in subjects chronically exposed to aluminum. Aluminium sulphate and polyaluminium chloride with an alkalinity of 80% [16] are widely used in water treatment as coagulants in order to reduce organic matter and microorganism levels [1, 15] Both obtaining and processing the aluminum, exposes workers to this metal, which is inhaled and absorbed in the organism. Aluminum determines neural degeneration by decreasing the number of microchannels in the affected neurons, dendritic cells and other cells involved in memory [4]. Research performed on a number of subjects exposed to aluminum identified cognitive decline, memory problems, depression, anxiety, personality disorders [12]

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