Urinary Chromium Concentration Research Articles

The association between the urinary chromium and blood pressure: a population-based study

Background and AimThe impact of trace elements and heavy metals on human health has attracted widespread attention. However, the correlation between urinary chromium concentrations and blood pressure remains unclear and inadequately reported, and the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between urinary chromium concentrations and blood pressure in adults in the United States (US).MethodsWe utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 for this study. Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were used to explore the association of urinary chromium concentrations with hypertension and blood pressure. Additionally, we also performed subgroup analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS).ResultsA total of 2958 participants were enrolled in this study. The overall mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 123.98 ± 0.60, 72.66 ± 0.57 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was found in 41.31% of the whole participants. In the fully adjusted model, we did not observe a correlation between urinary chromium concentrations and the risk of hypertension and systolic blood pressure. However, we found a negative association between urinary chromium concentrations and diastolic blood pressure. In subgroup analysis, we observed a positive association between urinary chromium and the risk of hypertension among participants older than 60 years of age and those who were Non-Hispanic Black. The interaction term highlighted the influence of age and race on this positive association. We also found a negative association of urinary chromium with diastolic blood pressure in male, participants who were current smokers, overweight, and other races, as well as those without alcohol use and anti-hypertensive drug use. However, the interaction term only revealed the influence of alcohol consumption on the negative association.ConclusionOur study suggested that urinary chromium concentrations may show a negative association with diastolic blood pressure and this association was significantly dependent on alcohol consumption. Besides, a positive association between urinary chromium and the risk of hypertension was also found among participants older than 60 years of age and those who were Non-Hispanic Black.

Transdermal exposure to Chrome-III oxide resulting in intoxicaitons and morbidity in two tanning workers—a case report

Here, we report two cases of chrome-III oxide intoxications following transdermal exposure in tanning workers. A 58-year-old man (case 1) and his 41-year-old co-worker (case 2) were brought to our ED with unconsciousness six hours after accidental transdermal exposure to chrome-III oxide crystals (Tankrom® AB, Chrome-III oxide 25.5% and Schorlemmer Basicity 33%). Upon arrival, both patients presented with agitation and chemical burns affecting 11% (case 1) and 3% (case 2) of their total body surface area, respectively. Chemical burns were mainly distributed on injured skin. Initial arterial blood gas analysis revealed moderate (case 1, pH: 7.268) to mild acidosis (case 2, pH: 7.352). One of our patients (case 1) had significant respiratory depression. Laboratory results of case 1 and case 2 showed increased white blood cell counts, (16,630 mm3 and 19,950 mm3) and elevated blood glucose (178 mg/dL and 193 mg/dL), creatinine (1.33 mg/dL and 1.52 mg/dL), liver enzyme (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase of 416/322 U/L and 141/118 U/L) and creatine phosphokinase level (474 U/L and 566 U/L), respectively. Radiologic examinations revealed an orbital wall fracture and L2 compression fracture in case 1, while case 2 had a subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage and scapular fracture and had to undergo an operation for external ventricular drainage. Both patients became alert on day three (case 1) and day six (case 2) and were discharged on day 27. We serially measured their serum and urinary chromium concentrations after hospital arrival. The calculated serum half-lives were 35.7 hours and 25.1 hours, and urinary half-lives were 2.3 hours and 2.5 hours in case 1 and case 2, respectively. We suggest that transdermal exposure to chrome-III oxide, especially to injured skin, may result in significant toxicity and morbidity. Therefore, it is essential to take necessary precautions and preventive measures to avoid transdermal exposure to chromium.

Evaluation of renal function in precarious workers exposed to heavy metals in vulnerable scenarios in the metropolitan area of San Luis Potosí, México

The aim of the study was to evaluate renal function in three groups of precarious workers: garbage recyclers (REC), quarry workers (CAN), and brick makers (LAD). Samples of urine and blood were collected to evaluate clinical parameters and the metal levels in urine was measured using ICP-MS. REC group had the highest concentrations of chromium in urine (36.03 ± 27.2 µg/l) compared to CAN and LAD groups. Mercury concentrations were higher in the LAD group (3.7 ± 0.8 µg/l). Additionally, arsenic was detected in both CAN and REC groups (25.4 ± 26.2 and 19.09 ± 16.7 µg/l, respectively), while arsenic concentrations in LAD were higher (47.2 ± 30.8 µg/l). In kidney biomarkers, β2-microglobulin concentrations were higher in the REC group (87867 ± 115159.5 ng/g UCr). Similarly, cystatin-C concentrations were higher in the REC group (32795.61 ± 34965.8 ng/g UCr). The data suggests that precarious workers are exposed to heavy metals and have elevated protein levels that contribute to kidney damage.

The Impact of Essential Trace Elements on Ovarian Response and Reproductive Outcomes following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer.

Essential trace elements are required in extremely small amounts and obtained through diet. This research focuses on detecting major trace elements in different biofluids of sixty women undergoing ICSI with PGT-A and SET/FET at IVI-RMA, New Jersey, and assessing their impact on their IVF outcomes. Urine, plasma, and follicular fluid samples were collected on the vaginal oocyte retrieval day to measure the concentrations of eight essential trace elements (copper, zinc, molybdenum, lithium, selenium, manganese, chromium, and iron) using ICP-MS. After analysis, ovarian response and preimplantation outcomes had significant positive associations with both copper alone and the copper/zinc ratio in the follicular fluid and plasma, in addition to plasma manganese. Alternatively, elevated follicular fluid lithium concentrations were significantly associated with poor preimplantation outcomes while the urinary molybdenum concentration was significantly associated with a lower probability of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. Urinary lithium and chromium concentrations were significantly associated with a lower probability of achieving a live birth. Our results suggest that the essential trace elements present in follicular fluid, plasma, and urine of women are directly associated with their reproductive outcomes, with copper and manganese exerting positive effects and lithium and molybdenum exerting negative effects.

Association of metal exposure with arterial stiffness in Chinese adults

BackgroundArterial stiffness is an important indicator of cardiovascular aging. However, studies assessing the association between metal exposure and arterial stiffness are limited. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the independent and joint associations of metal exposure with arterial stiffness. MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 2982 Chinese adults from August 2018 to March 2019 in Wuhan, China. The concentrations of 20 urinary metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). We used generalized linear model (GLM) to estimate the association of single metal exposure with baPWV. We used weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression to estimate the association of metal mixture with baPWV. ResultsIn GLM regression analysis, each doubling of urinary copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) concentrations were associated with 6.48 (95 % CI: 2.51–10.45) cm/s and 3.78 (95 % CI: 0.42–7.14) cm/s increase in baPWV, respectively. In WQS regression analysis, each unit increase in WQS index of the metal mixture was associated with a 9.10 (95 % CI: 2.39–15.82) cm/s increase in baPWV. Cu, Zn, and Cr were the dominant urinary metals associated with baPWV. ConclusionMetal exposure, both individually and in mixture, was associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffness. Our findings may provide a target for preventative strategies against cardiovascular aging.

Associations of exposure to multiple metals with blood pressure and hypertension: A cross-sectional study in Chinese preschool children

Exposure to metals might be a risk factor for hypertension, which contributes largely to the global burden of disease and mortality. However, relevant epidemiological studies of associations between metals exposure with hypertension among preschoolers are limited. This study aimed to explore the associations of urine metals with blood pressure and hypertension among Chinese preschoolers. A total of 1220 eligible participants who had urine metals measurement, blood pressure measurements, and relevant covariates were included in this cross-sectional study. Urine concentrations of metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The single and multiple metals regression models were used to investigate the associations of urine metal with blood pressure and the risk of hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders. We observed urine concentrations of chromium, iron, and barium were negatively associated with levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in the single metal model (all P-FDR adjustment <0.05). Significant associations of urine chromium concentrations with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension were found in the multi-metal model (β or OR (95% confidence interval) was −3.07 (−5.12, −1.02), −2.25 (−4.29, −0.22), and 0.51 (0.26, 0.97) for 3rd quartile, compared with 1st quartile, respectively). The same association was found for barium concentrations in the multi-metal model, while none of the associations among iron quartiles was significant. In addition, urine chromium, iron and barium may have joint effects on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and hypertension. Children's age and body mass index could modify the associations of chromium, iron, and barium concentrations with blood pressure. Our findings suggested that exposure to chromium, iron, and barium was inversely associated with blood pressure and hypertension among preschool children. These findings need further validation in prospective studies.

Dietary exposure to metal mixtures throughout infants' first year of life in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recent reports have raised concerns about infants’ exposure to metals and metalloids (here, “metals”) via their first solid foods. Although early exposure to metals may cause lifelong health effects, epidemiologic studies on infants' dietary exposure to metal mixtures are still scarce. We aimed to assess the impact of diet on urinary metal concentrations over the first year of life among 348 children from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. METHODS: We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to measure infant urinary arsenic speciation, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, lead, antimony, selenium, uranium, vanadium and zinc concentrations. Caregivers completed a 3-day food diary before infant urine collection at 6 weeks and 4, 6, and 12 months of age. RESULTS:We determined the weights of each metal and the impact of the mixture at 6 weeks and 12 months of age. Using quantile g-computation we found that urinary concentration of arsenic, molybdenum and cobalt increased from ~6 weeks to 12 months of age, and that urinary selenium and copper decreased. We observed similar findings in a subset of infants (n = 19) during weaning from 4 to 6 months of age. We are now focusing on identifying specific groups of foods responsible for these changes. CONCLUSIONS:Determining dietary contributors to infants’ exposure to potential harmful metals is a critical step in preventing their long-term consequences. KEYWORDS: mixture, heavy metals, food, biomarkers of exposure

Prenatal exposure to metal mixtures and lung function in children from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Prenatal environmental exposure to metals and metalloids (referred to as “metals”) has been associated with childhood lung development, but limited data exist on metal mixtures. We aimed to investigate the association between gestational exposure to metal mixtures and childhood lung function among 267 maternal-child dyads from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. METHODS: Maternal ~24-28-week gestational urinary arsenic speciation, aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, tin, lead, antimony, selenium, thallium, uranium, vanadium and zinc concentration were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation (FEV1), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75) standardized z-scores were obtained at a median age of 7.4 years. We used quantile g-computation for each outcome and urinary metals adjusted for maternal smoking status, children’s age, sex and height. RESULTS:Urinary concentrations of cobalt, lead, nickel, cadmium, and chromium were inversely associated with lung function z-scores. Arsenic concentrations were inverse associated specifically with FVC and FEV1 z-scores. In contrast, lung function z-scores increased with vanadium, molybdenum, and thallium urine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to metal mixtures impact lung function, with varying direction and magnitudes of effects. KEYWORDS: mixture, heavy metals, children’s environmental health, respiratory outcomes, biomarkers of exposure

Increased urine chromium concentrations in a worker exposed to lead chromate due to medicinal herb intake

Background: Hexavalent chromium compounds are sensitizers of the skin and lung. Chronic exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds is associated with respiratory effects and ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum. Such compounds are also considered carcinogens of the lung and nasal and paranasal sinus. Objectives: To demonstrate the importance of studying occupational and non-occupational exposure when assessing the concentration of substances in the urine. Case study: A study was conducted of environmental chromium concentrations in the workplace. In addition, an occupational medical examination was performed, recording activities inside and outside the workplace, eating habits, blood lead and urine chromium at the beginning and end of the workday. Results: One worker exposed to lead chromate presented high chromium concentrations in urine (up to 62 µg/l before the working day and 52 µg/l at the end of the working day). Environmental chromium concentrations in the workplace were below 0.25 µg/m3. In view of the results, a full study was conducted of the patient’s habits outside work. He reported having bought a kilo of a medicinal herb infusion at a street market three weeks previously. The concentration of total chromium in the prepared infusion was 12000 µg/l. The patient stopped consuming the medicinal herb. Subsequently, the urine chromium analysis was below 0.5 µg/l. Discussion and Conclusions: This case is interesting because it demonstrates that the consumption of medicinal herbs can interfere with biological monitoring of workers exposed to hexavalent chromium compounds. This may give rise to confusion and can also create legal problems for companies and workers. It is important to provide advice to workers and to investigate their habits outside work, especially when there is a discrepancy between environmental and biological values. In this case, the increase in urinary chromium is due to the consumption of medicinal herbs.

The cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of chromium with dyslipidemia: A prospective cohort study of urban adults in China

Chromium exposure can induce altered lipoprotein metabolism in animals, but the health effects of chromium on dyslipidemia in humans have not been fully evaluated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of urinary chromium on lipid levels and dyslipidemia risk among urban adults from two cities in China. A total of 3762 urban adults from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort were included in the initial investigation, and followed up three years later. Urinary chromium concentration was measured at baseline and repeated at follow-up. Associations of urinary chromium concentration with lipid levels and risk of dyslipidemia were analyzed by generalized linear and binary logistic regression models, respectively. We found significant relationships between increased urinary chromium concentration and both reduced triglyceride (TG) level and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level at baseline and follow-up. In the cross-sectional analysis, each 1-unit increase in log-transformed urinary chromium was associated with a 0.25 mmol/L decrease in TG and a 0.05 mmol/L increase in HDL-C (P < 0.05); also, downward trends for odds ratios of hyperTG (TG level ≥ 1.7 mmol/L) and hypoHDL-C (HDL-C level < 1.0 mmol/L) were significantly associated with increasing quartiles of urinary chromium (P trend < 0.05). In the longitudinal analysis, each 1-unit increase in log-transformed urinary chromium concentration was associated with a 3% and 6% decrease in the risk of developing hyperTG and hypoHDL-C, respectively (P > 0.05). Our study indicated that significant dose-response relationships between urinary chromium concentration and lipid levels were observed at baseline and at follow-up.

Urinary Chromium and Dyslipidemias: A Cohort Study of Urban Adults in China

Background: Chromium is recognized as a nutritional enhancer and necessary for normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. However, the health effects of chromium exposure on lipoprotein metabolism have not been well evaluated.Objective: To investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of urinary chromium concentration on lipids levels or risk of dyslipidemias in a general Chinese population from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort study.Methods and Results: Serum lipids levels and urinary chromium concentration were measured at baseline and follow-up. Associations of urinary chromium concentration with lipids levels or risk of dyslipidemias were analyzed by generalized linear and binary logistic regression models, respectively. We found significant associations of increased urinary chromium concentration with reduced serum triglycerides (TG) level and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level at baseline and follow-up. With adjustment for covariates, each one-unit increase in log-transformed urinary chromium concentration was associated with a 0.25 mmol/L decline in TG, and a 0.05 mmol/L ascend in HDL-C (all P &amp;lt; 0.05). Downward trends of dyslipidemias (hyperTG and hypoHDL-C) were significantly associated with increasing quartiles of urinary chromium concentration (all P trend &amp;lt; 0.05). Our results also suggested that urinary chromium levels were associated with coarse grain intake in both male and female participants.Conclusion: This study provides evidence that elevated urinary chromium concentration was associated with decreased risk of dyslipidemias in a general Chinese population. These findings warrant replication in other studies with adequate sample sizes.

Exposure to Metal Fume Particulate Matter and Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Shipyard Welders

Inhalation of metal-rich PM2.5 produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, which may cause Maillard reactions, produce advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The interaction between the receptor of AGEs (RAGE) and its ligand AGEs triggers the inflammatory signal transduction, elevating risk of chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus. This study was assess the association between exposure to metal fume fine particle matter and production of AGE and RAGE.This study conducted in cross-sectional design and consisted of 52 welding workers and 29 office workers. The exposure assessment was performed for all individuals with a personal sampler to measure eight working hours exposure to metal-rich PM2.5 on Monday. On Tuesday morning, participants were instructed to fast for at least 10 hours prior to urine and blood sampling. Urinary metals were measured by ICP-MS. AGE and RAGE product was analyzed by ELISA and Flow Cytometry respectively. Multivariable linear regression model was used to assess association between urinary metals concentration and AGE and RAGE expression.PM2.5 exposure concentrations were 379.93&amp;#177;4.71 &amp;#956;g/m3 and 154.47&amp;#177;3.56 &amp;#956;g/m3 in welders and administrative personnel, respectively. RAGE expressions were 1500.78&amp;#177;1743.56 a. u. and 741.05&amp;#177; 537.03 a. u. in welders and administrative personnel, respectively. However, AGE did not significantly differ between these two groups. There was no significant correlation between PM2.5 and AGE or RAGE. After adjusted for confounders, urinary chromium concentration (&amp;#946;&amp;#61;0.242, 95%CI 0.024-0.339, P&amp;#61;0.025) and urinary cadmium concentration (&amp;#946;&amp;#61;0.333, 95%CI 0.017-0.165, P&amp;#61;0.017) were significantly associated with RAGE expression. However, no significant effect of urinary metals concentration on AGE was found.Exposure to metal fume particulate matter in welders were significantly associated with increasing RAGE expression. Inflammatory response of increased RAGE expression of welders should be further investigated.

Exposure to chromium during pregnancy and longitudinally assessed fetal growth: Findings from a prospective cohort

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to chromium may be associated with reduced birth weight; however, critical windows of such exposure for fetal growth are unclear. ObjectiveOur study was aimed to assess trimester-specific associations of chromium exposure with fetal growth parameters measured repeatedly by ultrasound and birth size, and to see whether these associations were modified by fetal sex. MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort of 3041 women in Wuhan, China, from 2013 to 2016. Chromium concentrations were measured in maternal urine samples collected in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We calculated standard deviation scores for ultrasound measured head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length, and estimated fetal weight (EFW) at 16, 24, and 31 weeks of gestation. Linear regressions with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the associations of specific gravity-adjusted urinary chromium concentrations in each trimester with fetal growth parameters and birth weight, birth length, and ponderal index. ResultsInverse associations of chromium exposure in the 1st trimester with fetal growth parameters at 31 weeks of gestation were observed, resulting in significant reductions in AC of −5.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −9.6%, −1.2%) and EFW of −5.6% (95% CI: −9.8%, −1.4%) per unit increase in natural logarithm transformed urinary chromium concentration. Urinary chromium concentration in the 2nd trimester was also associated with reductions in AC of −7.0% (95% CI: −12.5%, −1.4%) and in EFW of −5.0% (95% CI: −10.6%, 0.6%) at 31 weeks, and these inverse associations were evident in boys (reduction in AC of −13.9% [95% CI: −21.1%, −6.7%]; EFW of −9.5% [95% CI: −16.9%, −2.0%]) but not in girls (increase in AC of 2.9% [95% CI: −5.7%, 11.5%]; EFW of 1.5% [95% CI: −6.8%, 9.8%]) (both pineraction < 0.05). Moreover, one-unit increase in urinary chromium concentrations in the 1st and 2nd trimesters were both associated with significant reductions in ponderal index of −0.11 kg/m3 (95% CI: −0.19, −0.03 kg/m3) and −0.15 kg/m3 (95% CI: −0.27, −0.03 kg/m3), respectively. ConclusionOur findings suggest that chromium may be a toxic metal for fetal growth. Early and mid-pregnancy seem to be the most vulnerable period for fetal exposure to chromium, but these results need further confirmation.

Association between maternal urinary chromium and premature rupture of membranes in the Healthy Baby Cohort study in China

Chromium exposure from increasing industrial releases has become a threat for pregnant women due to the potential health effects on vulnerable embryos. Previous studies have suggested that maternal chromium exposure is associated with adverse birth outcomes, but no epidemiological research has been conducted to examine the relationship between chromium exposure and premature rupture of membranes (PROM). This study aimed at investigating the association of maternal urinary chromium exposure levels with PROM and was performed with 5408 pregnant women recruited from 2012 to 2014 in the city of Wuhan, China. Maternal urinary chromium collected before labor was adjusted with creatinine, and its association with PROM was evaluated using logistic regression. Each one unit increase in the natural logarithm transformed maternal urinary chromium concentration (μg/g creatinine), an odds ratio (OR) of 1.47 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36, 1.58] for PROM was observed. Compared to the lowest tertile of maternal urinary chromium, PROM was positively correlated with increased urinary levels of chromium (adjusted OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.84 for the medium tertile; adjusted OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 2.18, 3.52 for the highest tertile). Additionally, the association of chromium with PROM appeared to be more significant among male infants (adjusted OR = 3.52; 95% CI: 2.51, 4.94 for the highest tertile) than female infants (adjusted OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.52, 3.06 for the highest tertile) (p for interaction = 0.05). Our large birth cohort showed an association between maternal urinary chromium levels and PROM, and the association may differ by infant gender. Further studies from different populations are needed to confirm the observed association.

Chromium-induced skin damage among Taiwanese cement workers.

Little research has been done on the relationships between chromium exposure, skin barrier function, and other hygienic habits in cement workers. Our purpose was to investigate chromium-induced skin barrier disruption due to cement exposure among cement workers. One hundred and eight cement workers were recruited in this study. Urinary chromium concentration was used to characterize exposure levels. The biological exposure index was used to separate high and low chromium exposure. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was used to assess the skin barrier function. TEWL was significantly increased in workers with high chromium exposure levels than those with low chromium exposure levels (p = 0.048). A positive correlation was also found between urinary chromium concentration and TEWL (R = 0.28, p = 0.004). After adjusting for smoking status and glove use, a significant correlation between urinary chromium concentrations and TEWL remained. Moreover, workers who smoked and had a high chromium exposure had significantly increased TEWL compared to nonsmokers with low chromium exposure (p = 0.01). Skin barrier function of cement workers may have been disrupted by chromium in cement, and smoking might significantly enhance such skin barrier perturbation with chromium exposure. Decreased chromium skin exposure and smoking cessation should be encouraged at work.

A post-remediation assessment in Jersey City of the association of hexavalent chromium in house dust and urinary chromium in children.

Although all chromite ore processing residue (COPR) sites near residential neighborhoods in Jersey City, New Jersey have undergone remediation, recent studies found widespread, but low levels of hexavalent chromium (Cr(+6)) in house dust both in Jersey City and in communities with no known sources of Cr(+6). This study was designed as a follow-up to determine whether there is an association between current Cr(+6) levels in house dust and urinary chromium concentrations in young children. Dust samples (N=369) were collected from 123 homes. The median Cr(+6) concentration was 3.3 μg/g (mean±SD 5.2±7.5) and the median Cr(+6) loading was 1.1 μg/m(2) (1.9±3.1). These levels were not elevated compared with previously reported levels in background communities (median concentration=3.5 μg/g; median loading=2.8 μg/m(2)). Urinary chromium concentrations were measured in spot urine samples collected from 150 children, ages 3 months to 6 years. The median uncorrected urinary chromium concentration was 0.19 μg/l (0.22±0.16). Current urinary chromium concentrations were significantly lower than those previously reported before and during remediation (t-test; P<0.001). Urinary chromium concentrations were not significantly higher in homes with high (75th or 90th percentile) Cr(+6) dust levels (concentration or loading) compared with other homes. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between Cr(+6) levels (concentration and loading) in house dust and urinary chromium concentrations (uncorrected and specific gravity corrected). Contrary to pre-remediation studies, we did not find a positive association between Cr(+6) levels in house dust and urinary chromium concentrations. The findings indicate that current Cr(+6) levels in house dust are not positively associated with children's chromium exposure as measured by urinary chromium, and the children's exposure to Cr(+6) in house dust is below the level that could be identified by urine sampling.

Occupational Exposure to Chromium of Assembly Workers in Aviation Industries

Aircraft are constructed by modules that are covered by a “primer” layer, which can often contain hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], known carcinogen to humans. While the occupational exposure to Cr(VI) during aircraft painting is ascertained, the exposure assessment of assembly workers (assemblers) requires investigations.Three biological monitoring campaigns (BM-I,II,III) were performed in an aviation industry, on homogeneous groups of assemblers (N = 43) and controls (N = 23), by measuring chromium concentrations in end-shift urine collected at the end of the working week and the chromium concentration difference between end- and before-shift urines. BM-I was conducted on full-time workers, BM-II was performed on workers after a 3–4 day absence from work, BM-III on workers using ecoprimers with lower Cr(VI) content. Samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and mean values were compared by T-test.Even if Cr concentrations measured during BM-I were lower than Biological Exposure Indices by ACGIH, statistically significant differences were found between urinary Cr concentrations of workers and controls. Despite 3–4 days of absence from work, urinary chromium concentrations measured during BM-II were still higher than references from nonoccupationally exposed populations. In the BM-III campaign, the obtained preliminary results suggested the efficacy of using ecoprimers.The healthcare of workers exposed to carcinogenic agents follows the principle of limiting the exposure to “the minimum technically possible”. The obtained results evidence that assemblers of aviation industries, whose task does not involve the direct use of primers containing Cr(VI), show an albeit slight occupational exposure to Cr(VI), that must be carefully taken into consideration in planning suitable prevention measures during risk assessment and management processes.

An outbreak of occupational asthma due to chromium and cobalt

Five metal turners employed by an aerospace manufacturer presented to the Birmingham Chest Clinic occupational lung disease unit. Four cases of occupational asthma (OA) due to chromium salt (3) and cobalt (1) were diagnosed by serial peak-expiratory flow measurements and specific inhalation challenge testing. To measure the extent of the outbreak and to provide epidemiological data to ascertain the aetiology. Participants answered a detailed, self-administered questionnaire, designed to detect occupational lung disease. Urine chromium and cobalt excretion, spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide measurements were taken. Those with possible, probable or definite non-OA or OA, after questionnaire, were invited to undertake two-hourly peak flow measurements and received specialist follow-up. A total of 62 workers (95% of workforce) participated. Sixty-one per cent of employees were working in higher metalworking fluid (MWF) exposure areas. Ninety per cent of workers had urinary chromium excretion indicating occupational exposure. Sixty-six per cent of workers reported active respiratory symptoms, although there were no significant differences between exposure groups. Two further workers with probable OA were identified and had significantly higher urinary chromium and cobalt concentration than asymptomatic controls. Eighteen cases of occupational rhinitis (OR) were identified, with significantly raised urinary chromium concentration compared with asymptomatic controls. Chromium salt and cobalt can be responsible for OA and OR in workers exposed to MWF aerosols. Onset of symptoms in those with positive specific challenges followed change in MWF brand. Workers with OA had increased urinary concentrations of chromium and cobalt, and those with OR had increased urinary concentrations of chromium.

Chromium Status and Glucose Tolerance in Saudi Men With and Without Coronary Artery Disease

Chromium deficiency is associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and dyslipidemia. Hence, the objective of the current study was to investigate chromium status among Saudi men with and without established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its relationship to glucose tolerance, lipid profile and other established CVD risk factors. We measured serum and urine chromium concentrations, fasted lipid profile, plasma glucose, and serum lipid peroxide in 130 Saudi men with an established history of myocardial infarction and 130 age-matched controls without established CVD. Patients with established CVD had higher serum triglycerides (p < 0.05) and plasma glucose (p < 0.0001) and lower serum and urinary chromium concentrations (p < 0.0001) than controls. Serum chromium was inversely correlated with plasma glucose among cases and controls (r = -0.189, p < 0.05 and r = -0.354, p < 0.00001, respectively). Plasma glucose (OR 1.127, CI 1.0-1.269, p < 0.05), serum chromium (OR 0.99, CI 0.985-0.995, p < 0.0001), and urinary chromium (OR 0.988, CI 0.981-0.995, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the presence of established coronary disease applying this model. While chromium metabolism appears to be altered in individuals with CVD, it is unclear whether chromium supplementation would be effective in CVD prevention among patients with IGT. This would need to be tested in long-term outcome trials.

“Nearly a stairway to heaven” – severe dichromate intoxication in a young man

A 22-year-old man presented with dichromate intoxication in a suicidal attempt. He exhibited signs of liver and renal toxicity and very high serum chromium levels. Since it has been reported in the literature that hemodialysis and hemoperfusion are not sufficient to remove chromium, we tried plasmapheresis considering the fact that chromium salts bind to protein. Five plasmapheresis treatment sessions significantly lowered his serum and urinary chromium concentrations. The patient survived without organ damage despite ingestion of a lethal dichromate dose and high serum chromium concentration. Thus, plasmapheresis should be considered as a potential therapeutic option to reduce chromium concentrations.