Smelter Workers Research Articles

Impact of Chronic Beryllium Exposure on Liver and Lung Function and Hematologic Parameters

Beryllium is a lightweight metal that is toxic to humans. The critical health effects related to beryllium exposure are liver toxicity, immune system toxicity, and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). This study investigated the effects of occupational beryllium exposure on liver and lung function and hematologic parameters among beryllium smelter workers. A cross-sectional study was performed by comparing 65 exposed workers and 34 non-exposed workers. Health information was collected through questionnaire surveys and biochemical tests. The concentration of urinary beryllium was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The findings indicated that the urinary beryllium levels of the exposed workers and the controls were 0.48 (0.115, 1.19) μg/mL and 0.0125 (0.005, 0.005) μg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared with the controls, the exposed workers showed a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HGB concentration and ALT level were significantly correlated with the concentration of beryllium in urine (p < 0.05). The exposed workers had increased urinary concentrations of beryllium, in contrast to the control subjects. Moreover, the urinary beryllium levels among the exposed workers are much higher than that in the Chinese general population. Beryllium-exposed workers may be at risk of liver and hematologic impairments.

Predicting the risk of uterine fibroids in female copper smelter workers by cytogenetic abnormalities of buccal epithelium

Exposure to adverse occupational factors increases the risk of diseases of the reproductive system. Long-term studies have shown a high prevalence of uterine fibroids among all diseases of the reproductive system in women exposed to occupational hazards in industry. The occurrence of fibroids, having such complications as menorrhagia, pain in the pelvic area, and infertility, hampers performance and diminishes the quality of life. The risk of genetic mutations in cells playing a key role in the development of fibroids is raised by inhalation of industrial aerosols containing metals possessing mutagenic and carcinogenic potencies. Cytology of the buccal epithelium can be used as a method objectively indicating the genetic risk. The purpose of the study was to develop a predictive model for assessing the risk of uterine fibroids in female workers exposed to aerosols containing metal particles at a copper smelter using buccal cytograms. We examined 47 female workers of a copper smelter, of which 39 formed the main (exposed) group. Uterine fibroids were more frequent in the main group than in the controls (25.6 % versus 0.0 %, p ≤ 0.05). Genotoxic indicators, such as protrusions and micronuclei, and cytotoxicity indicators were also significantly increased in this group (nuclear vacuolization and cytoplasmic vacuolation were 1.6 times and karyolysis 1.8 times higher compared with the controls, p ≤ 0.05). We have developed two mathematical models for assessing the risk of uterine fibroids. Model 1 includes variables without restrictions of characteristics, i.e. micronuclei, perinuclear vacuoles, and cytoplasmic vacuolation (AUROC – 0.940), while Model 2 necessarily includes such genotoxic parameters as micronuclei and protrusions (AUROC – 0.883). The 4-member model (M1+M2), which includes both genotoxic (micronuclei and protrusions) and cytotoxic (binucleated cells and cytoplasmic vacuolation) indicators, has the highest significance (AUROC – 0.998). The results indicate involvement of both genetic and cytotoxic mechanisms in the development of uterine fibroids in female workers exposed to toxic industrial aerosols. The models including both two indicators of genotoxicity (micronuclei and protrusion) and one and/or two cytotoxicity indicators have the greatest predictive value.

Correlations between levels of essential metals and arsenic in the urine of exposed copper smelter workers

Correlations between levels of essential metals and arsenic in the urine of exposed copper smelter workers

Hand eczema and skin complaints in particulate matter-exposed occupations - firefighters, chimney sweepers, and ferrosilicon smelter workers in Norway

BackgroundThe objective was to investigate self-reported hand eczema, and skin complaints at other skin locations among workers exposed to particulate matter, especially ultrafine particles.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study on workers from one ferro-silicon smelter plant, eight chimney sweeper stations and one firefighter station across Norway. Participants answered an extended version of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2022), with additional questions about whole-body skin complaints and visible dust deposition. Results are presented as descriptive data using firefighters as reference group. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated using logistic regression on lifetime prevalence of hand eczema adjusted for potential confounders and mediators. P-values were calculated using likelihood ratio test against the crude OR.ResultsA total of 186 participants answered the questionnaire: 74 chimney sweepers, 52 firefighters and 60 smelter workers. Participation rate was 95.0, 94.5 and 63.6%, respectively. Lifetime prevalence of hand eczema was 9.5, 9.6, and 28.3%, respectively. The point prevalence of hand eczema was 1.4, 1.9 and 10.0%, respectively. We estimated OR for lifetime hand eczema in smelter workers to 4.36 [95% CI: 1.31–14.43, p = 0.016] and for lifetime skin complaints in other locations to 2.25 [95% CI: 0.98–5.18, p = 0.058]. The lifetime prevalence of skin complaints at other locations was 18.9, 23.1 and 40.0%, respectively. The point prevalence was 14.9, 9.6 and 16.7%, respectively. These estimates were not statistically significant but indicates that smelter workers have more skin complaints also at other locations.ConclusionThis study reports a more than four-fold increased risk of hand eczema in smelter workers, and possibly a higher risk of skin complaints in other body locations, compared to the other occupations. Longitudinal studies with larger population are needed to verify the marked increased risk of eczema among smelters and establish causation.

Parent and halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in aluminum smelter workers: Serum levels, accumulation trends, and association with health indicators

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their halogenated derivatives (HPAHs) can be unintentionally formed and released during industrial thermal processes. However, information on internal exposure and health risks of PAHs and HPAHs for thermal industry workers is very limited. In this study, serum samples from 220 aluminum smelter workers in East China were analyzed, and the relationship between the levels of these pollutants and various health indicators was also assessed. The workers had markedly higher serum concentrations of PAHs and HPAHs than the controls. The serum concentrations of ∑13PAHs and ∑9HPAHs increased with increasing age and occupational exposure duration in male workers. A positive correlation was observed between the ∑13PAH and ∑9HPAH serum concentrations, and the concentration of ∑13PAHs was approximately 50 times higher than that of ∑9HPAHs. For benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (BaPeq)-based risk assessment, the contribution of PAHs and HPAHs to the risk was 80 % and 20 % in the workers. PAHs and HPAHs showed a positive association with pulmonary hypofunction, hypertension and abnormal electrocardiogram. This study indicates occupational exposure to these toxic pollutants remains a significant issue and provides evidence that elevated serum levels of ∑13PAHs and ∑9HPAHs may be associated with an increased risk of lung and cardiovascular diseases.

Male reproductive hormone disorders among copper smelter workers.

Male workers in copper smelting are exposed to copper, lead, and arsenic. This study aimed to assess the effects of combined exposure to these metals on male reproductive hormone levels and assesses malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress parameter. The study was conducted on 40 copper smelter workers compared with 40 non-exposed workers. Laboratory investigations included levels of serum copper, blood lead, serum arsenic, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and MDA. Levels of copper, arsenic, lead, FSH, and LH were significantly increased compared to controls. However, a statistically significant decrease in the mean value of testosterone was found among exposed workers. Positive correlations between serum copper and both serum FSH and MDA levels were statistically significant as were correlations between serum arsenic and MDA levels. Testosterone levels showed significant negative correlations with both copper and arsenic among exposed workers. A linear regression model of copper, arsenic, and lead levels as independent variables with FSH, LH, and testosterone as dependent variables revealed a significant negative association between serum copper and testosterone levels. The current study concluded that combined exposure to copper, arsenic, and lead in secondary copper smelters had a negative impact on male reproductive hormone levels that may be mediated by oxidative stress.

Analysis of hair trace metal levels among workers at smelter limited company

Background: Lead (Pb) is one of the heavy metals that has a negative effect on the health of the human body and the environment. This metal is included in the 20 dangerous and toxic heavy metals defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1997. One way to detect exposure to lead (Pb) in the body is to analyze the levels of lead in hair. The impact of exposure to lead (Pb) can cause neurological disorders, kidney function, reproductive system function, and nerve function.Purpose: To analyze lead levels through the hair of smelter workers at the smelting department of smelter limited company on Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.Method: Quantitative with cross-sectional method approach. The population in this study were workers at the smelter limited company smelting division. The object of research was 30 hair samples taken using a purposive sampling method. Data analysis was processed statistically so that the research data could be concluded as univariate, bivariate, and multivariate.Results: The Fisher's exact test showed a p-value of 1,000 so it could be concluded that there was no relationship between age and Pb levels in workers' hair. There is no relationship between working duration and Pb levels in workers' hair with a p-value > 1,000. That there is no significant relationship between length of service and Pb levels in the respondent's hair with a p-value of 0.469. There is a significant relationship between smoking habits, use of PPE, and work environment with lead levels in hair with a p-value of 0.023.Conclusion: There is no relationship between age, length of work, and years of service with Pb levels in the respondent's hair because the p-value is > 0.05. And there is a relationship between the variables of smoking habits, use of PPE, and work environment with Pb levels in hair with a p-value <0.05.

Smelter Workers in Bourgeois Overcoats: A Case Study on the Sovietization of Hungarian Drama

The performance of Hétköznapok hősei (Everyday Heroes) at the Belvárosi (Downtown) Theatre, Budapest, was celebrated by contemporary critics as the birth of the new Hungarian schematic (industrial and production-related) drama and theatre. Éva Mándi’s text lived on as a schema of schematic drama and presented a paradigm in the relatively short time span of four years that conceived of socialist realism along Zhdanovist principles. However, the Hungarian schematic drama followed the topoi of well-made plays both in story-building and character formation, and its heroes became genres. During the course of the reinterpretation of the bourgeois sujet, the happy marriage of the outcome was replaced by the right path of the wavering and the increase in production. The bourgeois home became a factory, and Manfréd Weiss of Csepel conjured up a foundry on the downtown stage, directed by Zsuzsa Simon. The performance flashed the possibility of Sovietized drama in the autumn of 1949, four years after the Soviet liberation of Budapest and just a few months after the nationalisation of Hungarian theatres. This case study tries to present the reconstruction and analysis of the performance from the perspective of 70 years.

Nephrotoxic effect of heavy metals and the role of DNA repair gene among secondary aluminum smelter workers

This study aims to estimate the association between some heavy metals in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and kidney damage among workers at different departments in a secondary aluminum production plant. It also investigates the association between Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group D (XPD) gene polymorphisms and worker’s susceptibility to kidney dysfunction. It was conducted on 30 workers from the administrative departments and 147 workers from different departments in the production line. Estimation of some heavy metals (Al, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in suspended particulate matter (SPM) is done. Also, urinary levels of those metals were measured for all workers. Kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), clusterin levels, and XPD protein level were estimated. Genotyping of XPD gene polymorphisms was performed. The measured annual average concentrations of the estimated heavy metals were lower than the permissible limits. Gravity area had the maximum concentration of metals with a higher Al average daily dose and hazardous index > 1. Kidney injury biomarkers (clusterin and KIM-1) were increased significantly (p < 0.05) while XPD protein showed the lowest levels among workers at the gravity and cold rolling areas. XPD Asn/Asp genotype was more dominant among those workers (85.7%). Conclusion: aluminum workers are at risk of kidney disorders due to heavy metal exposure. The individual’s susceptibility to the diseases is related to the DNA repair efficiency mechanisms. The defect in XPD protein represents a good indicator of susceptibility to the disease. KIM-1 and clusterin estimation is a predictor biomarker for early-staged kidney diseases.

Cross-sectional Study of Workers Employed at a Copper Smelter-Effects of Long-term Exposures to Copper on Lung Function and Chronic Inflammation.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of exposure to copper-containing dust on lung function and inflammatory endpoints among workers of a German copper plant, effects rarely studied before. One hundred four copper-exposed smelter workers and 70 referent workers from the precious metal and lead facilities were included, with different metal exposures in both groups due to the different process materials. Body plethysmography, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements, and blood sampling were conducted in all workers. Smoking status and the use of respiratory protective equipment were considered. In a subgroup of 40 nonsmoking volunteers (28 copper-exposed and 12 referents), sputum biomarkers were assessed. Median lung function values of both copper-exposed and the referent groups were within reference ranges of "healthy" individuals, and statistical differences between the groups were mostly not evident. Similarly, differences in blood and sputum biomarkers were too small to be biologically relevant. The results suggest the absence of the detectable effects of copper-containing dust exposure on lung function or chronic inflammation within the investigated cohort.

Spastic Paraplegia and Ataxia in a Welder.

A 51-year-old welder (nonsmoker) developed subacute lower paresthesias and progressive spastic paraplegia and ataxia. Symptoms appeared 10 days after the first zinc exposure in the yacht construction site (8-hour day/40 days in a confined space with face shield only). Examination revealed loss of vibratory sensation, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and sensory ataxia. Serum heavy metals (Cu 1 mg/L and Pb 4,22 μg/L), B-complex vitamins, and paraneoplastics on serum and CSF were unremarkable. The elevated zinc level (137 μg/dL) was found. Spinal MRI showed combined degeneration (Figure). Myelopathy in zinc smelter workers was reported in the 19th century1 and recently rediscovered in excessive zinc ingestion. Copper secondary deficiency is hypothesized even if the normal copper serum level is reported.2 Two months later, copper became low (0.8 mg/L), a time-dependent process might explain late copper deficiency in our case. Symptoms ameliorated 4 months later with normalization of serum zinc/copper levels.

Exploring the Link Between the Serum/Blood Levels of Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Cd, and Cu) and 2 Novel Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Stress (Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2) in Copper Smelter Workers.

Studying the association between the occupational exposure to Pb, As, Cd, and Cu with the serum levels of 2 novel biomarkers of cardiovascular stress; growth differentiation factor 15 and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2, in some Egyptian Cu smelter workers. Forty-one exposed workers and 41 administrative controls were clinically evaluated. Serum/blood levels of heavy metals and biomarkers were measured for both groups. The smelter workers showed significantly elevated levels of heavy metals and biomarkers compared with controls. The elevated serum levels of both biomarkers were significantly and positively correlated with each other, the levels of heavy metals, and the duration of employment of the exposed workers. There was a significant association between the levels of heavy metals and both biomarkers among the smelter workers. Further prospective studies should be performed.

Poor Man's Fortune: White Working-Class Conservatism in American Metal Mining, 1850–1950

Poor Man's Fortune: White Working-Class Conservatism in American Metal Mining, 1850–1950

“Our Right to Travel”

Abstract In 1952, Paul Robeson and the Canadian Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter workers held a concert at Peace Arch Park on the border of the United States and Canada to protest the State Department's revoking of Robeson's passport for his condemnation of U.S. imperialist foreign policy, racism, and colonialism. Through his entangled use of place-as rhetoric and place-based rhetorics at the concert, Robeson charted a Black internationalist rhetorical cartography. Robeson's cartography contested the existing imperial world-order that is itself configured through Westphalian logics oriented around maintaining and projecting the European balance of power. Robeson's Black internationalist cartography hinges on freedom of movement as a teleology that circumvents imperial constructions of national sovereignty. This Black internationalist cartography offers a vision of a new world detached from imperial and colonial nationhood, ultimately demonstrating how space can be reimagined within contexts of racialized containment.

Serum intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-8 as predictors of pulmonary impairment among workers in secondary copper smelters

Copper smelter workers are exposed to harmful chemical agents in dust and fumes which contain harmful metals such as copper and arsenic. These substances are known to be respiratory irritants. This study aimed at investigating the effect of occupational exposure to copper and arsenic on the respiratory system. A group of 75 male exposed workers, and 75 male administrative employees (control group) were recruited from a secondary copper smelting factory. Full history, complete clinical examination, ventilatory function parameters (FVC, FEV1, FVC/FEV1 and FEF), and chest X-ray were done for both groups. Serum levels of ICAM-1 and IL8 (as markers of epithelial injury) were measured by ELISA. Serum copper and arsenic were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The exposed group was associated with increased respiratory symptoms, higher serum copper, arsenic, and ICAM-1and Il-8 as compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in ventilatory parameters among the exposed group: 58.7% of the exposed group had restrictive lung impairment, 40% had obstructive impairment. In the exposed group a positive correlation between serum copper, arsenic and serum ICAM and IL8 was found. While a negative correlation was observed between both serum ICAM, IL8 and ventilatory parameters among the exposed group. Moreover, 36% of the exposed group had radiological infiltrates on chest X.ray. Occupational exposure to copper and arsenic was associated with ventilatory and radiological impairment, with a corresponding increase in the serum level of ICAM-1 and IL8, which can be used as biomarkers for pulmonary impairment among copper smelter workers.

The Relationship between Occupationally Exposed Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead and Brain Bioelectrical Activity-A Visual and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters of visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials in patients occupationally exposed to arsenic, cadmium and lead. The study group comprised 41 copper smelter and refinery workers (average age: 51.27) with occupational exposure to arsenic, cadmium and lead. The control group consisted of 36 healthy volunteers (35 men and 1 woman, aged 27–66, average age: 51.08). Neurological examination, brain imaging, and visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials were performed, and the relationship between blood Cd, Pb concentration (Cd-B, Pb-B), blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), and urine As concentration (As-U) were assessed. In the workers, exceedances of allowable biological concentrations were observed, with the urinary concentration of arsenic being 5.2%, the cadmium and lead in blood being 1.3%, while the case of ZnPP was 2.6%. The mean P100, relative P100, and N145 visual evoked potential (VEP) latencies were significantly longer in exposed workers than in the controls. The mean wave III and V brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) latency and the mean wave III–V and I–V interpeak latencies were longer, and the I and V amplitude was lower in the workers than the controls. In summary, occupational exposure to As, Cd, and Pb is associated with prolonged latency and reduced evoked potential amplitude, but As-U, Pb-B, Cd-B, and ZnPP concentrations are not linearly related to potential components. The analysis of evoked potentials may be a useful method of assessment of the central nervous system in patients with occupational exposure to heavy metals.

Predictive value of non-specific bronchial challenge testing for respiratory symptoms and lung function in aluminium smelter workers

ObjectiveTo assess the predictive value of bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) for the subsequent development of respiratory symptoms, airflow limitation and decline in lung function among aluminium smelter workers.MethodsAn inception cohort study...

The Legacy of Clinton Jencks

In 1950, the mainly Mexican and Mexican-American members of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Local 890 went on strike against Empire Zinc in southern New Mexico. One of the only fair-haired and pale-skinned union men in meetings and jail was Mine Mill organizer Clinton Jencks. Raymond Caballero's study, McCarthyism vs. Clinton Jencks, exhaustively details how the federal government brought the entire weight of its repressive apparatus down on the heads of Jencks, his family, and his union siblings.

Reactive hyperemia and baseline pulse amplitude among smelter workers exposed to fine and ultrafine particles

ObjectiveAmbient exposure to fine particles is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Associations between occupational particulate matter (PM) exposure and cardiovascular disease have been studied less. The objective of this study was to examine associations between PM exposure and endothelial function among workers in Norwegian smelters.MethodsWe examined endothelial function with Endo-PAT equipment after a working day (WD) and on a day off (DO) in 59 furnace workers recruited from three metal smelters in Norway. The difference in baseline pulse amplitude (BPA) and reactive hyperemia index (RHI) between the 2 days was analysed in relation to individual exposure to PM < 250 nm (PM250) or the respirable aerosol fraction of particles, and adjusted for relevant covariates.ResultsThe exposure to PM250 ranged from 0.004 to 5.7 mg/m3. The mean BPA was significantly higher on WD relative to DO (772 vs. 535, p = 0.001). This difference was associated with PM concentrations among participants ≥ 34 years, but not among the younger workers. Reactive hyperemia was significantly lower on workdays relative to days off (1.70 vs. 1.84, p = 0.05). This difference was observed only among participants above the age 34. No associations with PM exposure were observed.ConclusionsPM exposure was associated with higher BPA among participants older than 34 years. BPA reflects microvessel pulsatility. Our results may indicate an age-dependent cardiovascular susceptibility to PM exposure. Endothelial function measured by RHI was reduced on WD among participants 34 years and older, but we found no associations between PM exposure and RHI.

The impact of the long-term exposure of industrial aerosols on clinical and functional indices of the broncho-pulmonary system in aluminum smelter workers

It was found that the appearance of respiratory diseases among workers was established to be associated with the impact of aerosols with the complex chemical composition, exceeding corresponding MAC. Among respiratory diseases in workers there were detected predominantly chronic non-obstructive bronchitis - 59.15%, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in 35.2% of cases. In the analysis of spirometric indices of examined patients the vast majority (76.3%) of them showed disturbances of the bronchial patency of mild to moderate degree of the pronouncement. As a result of the implementation offlexible bronchoscopy there was established the presence of a diffuse lesion of bronchi with a predominance of subatrophic and atrophic processes in the mucosa. It was found that under the increase of the concentration of HF in the air of industrial premises the probability of bronchial obstruction and deterioration of the tracheobronchial patency in aluminum smelter workers was established to elevate.