The SAM-Krom biomonitoring study shows occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium and increased genotoxicity in Denmark
This biomonitoring study shows that bath platers were highly exposed to Cr(VI), as suggested by relatively high levels of urinary Cr, Cr in RBC and increased levels of micronuclei. The urinary Cr concentrations were high when compared to the French biological limit value of 2.5 μg Cr/L, corresponding to the Danish occupational exposure limit of 1 μg/m<sup>3</sup>. This, in turn, indirectly suggests that additional exposure routes than via air may contribute to the exposure. For welders, no statistically significant increases compared to within company controls were observed, however, the observed urinary Cr levels were similar to the levels observed in a European study (HBM4EU), and were higher than the levels observed for welders in Sweden (SafeChrom). In spite of a high degree of self-reported and observed compliance to OSH risk prevention measures during announced visits, the biomarkers of exposure reflecting recent exposure (urinary Cr) or exposure during the last four months (Cr in RBC) may point to variation in compliance to OSH risk prevention measures in general. Reduced occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may be achieved by applying the hierarchy of controls in eliminating or substituting Cr(VI), and the use of more effective technical solutions (e.g. automation).
Authors
- Marcus Levin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2397-476X)
- Julia Catalán (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2936-242X)
- Ulla Vogel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6807-1524)
- Karsten Fuglsang
- Katrin Loeschner
- Anne Thoustrup Saber (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7626-709X)
- Tanja Korfitsen Carøe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5362-4517)
- Frans M. Christensen
- Malin Engfeldt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8855-0936)
- Christina Andersen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7332-6437)
- María Albin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6613-4437)
- Zheshun Jiang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7263-166X)
- Pete Kines (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8660-6366)
- Anja Julie Huusom
- Niels Erik Ebbehøj
- Karin Bröberg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5862-468X)
- Lucas Givelet (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5274-9772)
- Thomas Lundh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7118-8002)
- Kukka Aimonen
- Håkan Tinnerberg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7831-7911)
Institutions
- Lund University (SE)
- Universidad de Zaragoza (ES)
- Frederiksberg Hospital (DK)
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FI)
- Copenhagen University Hospital (DK)
- Karolinska Institutet (SE)
- Zealand University Hospital (DK)
- FORCE Technology (Denmark) (DK)
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment (DK)
- Cowi (Denmark) (DK)
- University of Gothenburg (SE)
- Technical University of Denmark (DK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
- Published
- 2024-09-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114444
- Citations
- 7
- Primary Topic
- Chromium effects and bioremediation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.20
Funders
- Norges Forskningsråd
- Arbejdstilsynet
- Terveyden Tutkimuksen Toimikunta