Occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic in wood workers and taxidermists — air sampling and biological monitoring

Abstract

Abstract Arsenic exposure in the following occupational categories was evaluated: taxidermists, workers producing garden fences, workers producing weekend cottages, workers producing new houses, workers impregnating wood with chromium, copper, and arsenic (CCA) solutions, and workers impregnating electric pylons with arsenic solution. Airborne arsenic exposure was documented in 70% (19) of 27 individuals working with products containing arsenic. The maximum exposure concentration in this study was 17.3 μg As/m3, found in a single worker who was filling an impregnation container with CCA pasta. Median exposures of workers working indoors producing garden fences and weekend cottages were 3.7 and 0.9 μ/g As/m3, respectively. The sum of inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolites in urine samples was recorded in workers handling arsenic‐containing products, their colleagues, and controls (references). The maximum urine concentration recorded in this study was 294.5 nmol As/mmol creatinine and was from th...