Home-based informal jewelry production increases exposure of working families to cadmium

Abstract

Trace element concentrations in biological fluids may vary according to the individual exposome, especially when considering specific external factors of the environment, such as occupational activities. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs: As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in urine samples of informal jewelry workers and in jewelry and soldering powder. Fifty-two families from Brazil comprised the Exposed (n = 113) and Control (n = 79) groups. PTE concentrations in urine samples (n = 192) of workers, controls and their family members were determined by ICP-MS. Soldering powder samples (n = 7) and jewelry pieces (n = 54) were measured for PTEs by field-portable X-ray fluorescence. Levels of PTEs in urine and occupational exposure associations were determined. The environment-wide association study (EWAS) approach was applied to test the influence of occupational activities on participant exposure. Mean PTE concentrations were within the limits recommended in urine by Brazilian occupational guidelines. However, As, Cd, Ni and Zn concentrations in some samples exceeded acceptable values for environmental exposure in the U.S and Canada, as well as Brazilian occupational limits. Cd concentrations were higher for women (0.19 μg g−1 creatinine; p = 0.01), adult workers (0.25 μg g−1 creatinine; p = 0.0002) and smokers (0.27 μg g−1creatinine; p = 0.0001). The difference between the Exposed (0.17 μg g−1creat.) and Control groups (0.10 μg g−1creat.) for Cd was significant among non-smokers. Workers engaged in soldering and assemblers had higher Cd concentrations (0.61 and 0.18 μg g−1 creatinine, respectively) than individuals not working with jewelry production (0.12 μg g−1 creat). PTEs in some jewelry and all soldering powder exceeded Brazilian limits. Considering this exposure scenario, informal jewelry production increased urinary cadmium levels in workers. Occupational exposure to this element in the household environment should be explored, as it may pose a health risk to family members and workers alike.