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Lowers H, Zell-Baran L, Arslan Z, Moore CM, Rose C. Particle Morphology and Elemental Analysis of Lung Tissue from Post-9/11 Military Personnel with Biopsy-Proven Lung Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:91. [PMID: 38248554 PMCID: PMC10815659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The relationship between exposure to inhaled inorganic particulate matter and risk for deployment-related lung disease in military personnel is unclear due in part to difficulties characterizing individual exposure to airborne hazards. We evaluated the association between self-reported deployment exposures and particulate matter (PM) contained in lung tissue from previously deployed personnel with lung disease ("deployers"). The PM in deployer tissues was compared to normal lung tissue PM using the analytical results of scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The majority of PM phases for both the deployers and the controls were sub-micrometer in size and were compositionally classified as aluminum and zirconium oxides, carbonaceous particles, iron oxides, titanium oxides, silica, other silicates, and other metals. The proportion of silica and other silicates was significantly higher in the retained dust from military veterans with biopsy-confirmed deployment-related lung disease compared to the control subjects. Within the deployer population, those who had combat jobs had a higher total PM burden, though the difference was not statistically significant. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of inhaled inorganic dusts in the risk for lung injury in previously deployed military veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Lowers
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology Geophysics Geochemistry Science Center, Denver, CO 80225, USA; (H.L.); (Z.A.)
| | - Lauren Zell-Baran
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Denver, CO 80206, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Zikri Arslan
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology Geophysics Geochemistry Science Center, Denver, CO 80225, USA; (H.L.); (Z.A.)
| | - Camille M. Moore
- National Jewish Health, Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Genes, Environment and Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA;
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Cecile Rose
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Denver, CO 80206, USA;
- Department of Medicine and Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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The ordinary work environment increases symptoms from eyes and airways in mild steel welders. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2015; 88:1131-40. [PMID: 25744592 PMCID: PMC4608979 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-015-1041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to follow diary-registered symptoms from eyes and airways in mild steel welders and relate them to different exposure measures. Furthermore, we would clarify the influence of possible effect modifiers. Methods
Non-smoking welders with (N = 74) and without (N = 32) work-related symptoms the last month were enroled. Symptoms and work tasks each day for three two-week periods during 1 year were obtained. Respirable dust (RD) was measured 1 day each period for each worker. The personal daily exposure was assessed as: (1) days at work, (2) welding time and (3) estimates of RD from welding and grinding, calculated from diary entries and measurements. Results Only 9.2 % of the particle measurements exceed the Swedish occupational exposure limit (OEL; 5 mg/m3). Days at work increased the risk of symptoms studied: eyes: 1.79 (1.46–2.19), nasal: 2.16 (1.81–2.58), dry cough: 1.50 (1.23–1.82) and wheezing and/or dyspnoea: 1.27 (1.03–1.56; odds ratio, 95 % confidence interval). No clear dose–response relationships were found for the other exposure estimates. Eye symptoms increased by number of years welding. Nasal symptoms and dry cough increased having forced expiratory volume in first second below median at baseline. Wheezing and/or dyspnoea increased in winter, by number of years welding, having a negative standard skin-prick test and having a vital capacity above median at baseline. Conclusion The current Swedish OEL may not protect welders against eye and airway symptoms. The results add to the evidence that welders should be offered regular medical surveillance from early in the career.
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Bertram J, Brand P, Hartmann L, Schettgen T, Kossack V, Lenz K, Purrio E, Reisgen U, Kraus T. Human biomonitoring of aluminium after a single, controlled manual metal arc inert gas welding process of an aluminium-containing worksheet in nonwelders. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2015; 88:913-23. [PMID: 25596709 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-015-1020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several existing field studies evaluate aluminium welding works but no thoroughly controlled exposure scenario for welding fume has been described yet. This study provides information about the uptake and elimination of aluminium from welding fumes under controlled conditions. METHODS In the Aachen Workplace Simulation Laboratory, we are able to generate welding fumes of a defined particle mass concentration. We exposed 12, until then occupationally unexposed participants with aluminium-containing welding fumes of a metal inert gas (MIG) welding process of a total dust mass concentration of 2.5 mg/m(3) for 6 h. Room air filter samples were collected, and the aluminium concentration in air derived. Urine and plasma samples were collected directly before and after the 6-h lasting exposure, as well as after 1 and 7 days. Human biomonitoring methods were used to determine the aluminium content of the samples with high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS Urinary aluminium concentrations showed significant changes after exposure compared to preexposure levels (mean t(1) (0 h) 13.5 µg/L; mean t(2) (6 h) 23.5 µg/L). Plasma results showed the same pattern but pre-post comparison did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS We were able to detect a significant increase of the internal aluminium burden of a single MIG aluminium welding process in urine, while plasma failed significance. Biphasic elimination kinetic can be observed. The German BAT of 60 µg/g creatinine was not exceeded, and urinary aluminium returned nearly to baseline concentrations after 7 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bertram
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Peter Brand
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Laura Hartmann
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Veronika Kossack
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Klaus Lenz
- ISF - Welding and Joining Institute, Aachen University of Technology, Pontstr. 49, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ellwyn Purrio
- ISF - Welding and Joining Institute, Aachen University of Technology, Pontstr. 49, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Uwe Reisgen
- ISF - Welding and Joining Institute, Aachen University of Technology, Pontstr. 49, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Zeidler-Erdely PC, Erdely A, Antonini JM. Immunotoxicology of arc welding fume: worker and experimental animal studies. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 9:411-25. [PMID: 22734811 PMCID: PMC4696487 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2011.652783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Arc welding processes generate complex aerosols composed of potentially hazardous metal fumes and gases. Millions of workers worldwide are exposed to welding aerosols daily. A health effect of welding that is of concern to the occupational health community is the development of immune system dysfunction. Increased severity, frequency, and duration of upper and lower respiratory tract infections have been reported among welders. Specifically, multiple studies have observed an excess mortality from pneumonia in welders and workers exposed to metal fumes. Although several welder cohort and experimental animal studies investigating the adverse effects of welding fume exposure on immune function have been performed, the potential mechanisms responsible for these effects are limited. The objective of this report was to review both human and animal studies that have examined the effect of welding fume pulmonary exposure on local and systemic immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patti C Zeidler-Erdely
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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Thaon I, Demange V, Herin F, Touranchet A, Paris C. Increased Lung Function Decline in Blue-collar Workers Exposed to Welding Fumes. Chest 2012; 142:192-199. [PMID: 22281800 DOI: 10.1378/chest.11-0647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Thaon
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 6249 Chrono-environnement Centre National de Recherche Scientifique/Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, Nancy, France; Occupational Diseases Department, University Hospital, Nancy, France.
| | - Valérie Demange
- Department of Epidemiology, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Vandœuvre, Nancy, France
| | - Fabrice Herin
- Occupational Diseases Department, University Hospital, Nancy, France
| | - Annie Touranchet
- Inspection médicale du travail des Pays de Loire, Nantes, France
| | - Christophe Paris
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U954, Nancy, France
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Krewski D, Yokel RA, Nieboer E, Borchelt D, Cohen J, Harry J, Kacew S, Lindsay J, Mahfouz AM, Rondeau V. Human health risk assessment for aluminium, aluminium oxide, and aluminium hydroxide. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2007; 10 Suppl 1:1-269. [PMID: 18085482 PMCID: PMC2782734 DOI: 10.1080/10937400701597766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 502] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Krewski
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Rossbach B, Buchta M, Csanády GA, Filser JG, Hilla W, Windorfer K, Stork J, Zschiesche W, Gefeller O, Pfahlberg A, Schaller KH, Egerer E, Escobar Pinzón LC, Letzel S. Biological monitoring of welders exposed to aluminium. Toxicol Lett 2006; 162:239-45. [PMID: 16280209 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate an adequate strategy for biological monitoring of aluminium (Al), a group of 62 Al welders (age in 1999: 23-51 years, median 35 years) was surveyed annually from 1999 to 2003 by determination of pre- and post-shift Al in urine and plasma. Biomonitoring was supplemented by personal air measurements of the total dust concentration. The welders' internal exposure was compared to the exposure of 60 non-exposed assembly workers (age in 1999: 21-51 years, median: 36 years) who were surveyed in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Having a nearly constant dust exposure, median concentrations of Al in urine (Al in plasma) of the welders decreased from 40.1 microg/g to 19.8 microg/g creatinine (8.7 to 4.6 microg/l). For the control group the median levels of Al in urine (plasma) ranged from 4.8 microg/g to 5.2 microg/g creatinine (2.4-4.3 microg/l) indicating a higher sensitivity for the marker Al in urine. No systematic differences have been found between pre- and post-shift internal exposure. This might be caused by the slow elimination kinetics and low systemic bioavailability of Al. A correlation analysis did not yield close relationships between dust exposure, Al in plasma and Al in urine underlining the importance of biomonitoring for assessment of Al exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Rossbach
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, University of Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Strasse 67, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Blomqvist A, Düzakin-Nystedt M, Ohlson CG, Andersson L, Jönsson B, Nielsen J, Welinder H. Airways symptoms, immunological response and exposure in powder painting. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2005; 78:123-31. [PMID: 15726393 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-004-0573-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2004] [Accepted: 09/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Powder painting is an alternative to solvent-based spray painting. Powder paints may contain organic acid anhydrides (OAAs), which are irritants to the airways and may cause sensitisation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and immunological response among powder painters and to describe the exposure to OAAs. METHODS In all, 205 subjects in 32 enterprises participated: 93 exposed and 26 formerly exposed workers in 25 powder paint shops and 86 unexposed workers. They completed a questionnaire about working conditions and symptoms and took part in a medical examination, which included a lung function test. Urine samples, for determination of two OAAs, and blood samples, for analysis of specific antibodies against the OAAs, were taken. In addition, 33 paint samples were analysed for nine OAAs. RESULTS The powder painters reported more work-related respiratory symptoms than unexposed subjects did. The prevalence of three or more symptoms was 24% in subjects with low exposure, 44% in highly exposed individuals, 46% in formerly exposed subjects and 19% in unexposed workers. Asthma symptoms were frequent, 7%, 40%, 15% and 2%, respectively. Regression analyses of the lung volumes did not show any influence of exposure. IgG, but not IgE, against the OAAs and metabolites of OAAs was found in some subjects, but no associations with the exposure could be observed. OAAs were found in only small amounts in the paint samples. CONCLUSIONS The exposure to organic acid anhydrides was estimated to be low, and yet, IgG antibodies to OAA were observed in some subjects. The prevalence of work-related symptoms from the eyes and the airways was relatively high among the powder painters, and these symptoms, but not the lung volumes, were clearly related to exposure. The symptoms were probably caused by irritative properties of the powder paint dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Blomqvist
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Central Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
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Abstract
Chronic exposure to high concentrations of fumes during aluminum arc welding causes a severe pneumoconiosis characterized by diffuse pulmonary accumulation of aluminum metal and a corresponding reduction in lung function. Aluminum fume-induced pneumoconiosis is a rarely reported entity, of which the true incidence is unknown. We report the clinical, radiographic, microscopic, and microanalytic results of 2 coworkers, employed by the same aluminum shipbuilding facility, who died of complications from this disease. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis of the exogenous particle content in the lung tissue of these cases revealed the highest concentrations of aluminum particles (average of 9.26 billion aluminum particles per cm(3) of lung tissue) among the 812 similar analyses in our pneumoconiosis database. One patient had an original clinical diagnosis of sarcoidosis but no evidence of granulomatous inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy J Hull
- School of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Verbanck S, Schuermans D, Van Muylem A, Paiva M, Noppen M, Vincken W. Ventilation distribution during histamine provocation. J Appl Physiol (1985) 1997; 83:1907-16. [PMID: 9390962 DOI: 10.1152/jappl.1997.83.6.1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated ventilation inhomogeneity during provocation with inhaled histamine in 20 asymptomatic nonsmoking subjects. We used N2 multiple-breath washout (MBW) to derive parameters Scond and Sacin as a measurement of ventilation inhomogeneity in conductive and acinar zones of the lungs, respectively. A 20% decrease of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was used to distinguish responders from nonresponders. In the responder group, average FEV1 decreased by 26%, whereas Scond increased by 390% with no significant change in Sacin. In the nonresponder group, FEV1 decreased by 11%, whereas Scond increased by 198% with no significant Sacin change. Despite the absence of change in Sacin during provocation, baseline Sacin was significantly larger in the responder vs. the nonresponder group. The main findings of our study are that during provocation large ventilation inhomogeneities occur, that the small airways affected by the provocation process are situated proximal to the acinar zone where the diffusion front stands, and that, in addition to overall decrease in airway caliber, there is inhomogeneous narrowing of parallel airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Verbanck
- Academisch Ziekenhuis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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Röllin HB, Theodorou P, Cantrell AC. Biological indicators of exposure to total and respirable aluminium dust fractions in a primary aluminium smelter. Occup Environ Med 1996; 53:417-21. [PMID: 8758038 PMCID: PMC1128499 DOI: 10.1136/oem.53.6.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study attempts to define biological indicators of aluminium uptake and excretion in workers exposed to airborne aluminium compounds in a primary aluminium smelter. Also, this study defines the total and respirable aluminium dust fractions in two different potrooms, and correlates their concentrations with biological indicators in this group of workers. METHODS Air was sampled at defined work sites. Non-destructive and conventional techniques were used to find total and respirable aluminium content of the dust. Blood and urine was collected from 84 volunteers employed at various work stations throughout the smelter and from two different cohorts of controls matched for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Aluminium in serum samples and urine specimens was measured by flameless atomic absorption with a PE 4100 ZL spectrometer. RESULTS The correlation of aluminium concentrations in serum and urine samples with the degree of exposure was assessed for three arbitrary exposure categories; low (0.036 mg Al/m3), medium (0.35 mg Al/m3) and high (1.47 mg Al/m3) as found in different areas of the smelter. At medium and high exposure, the ratio of respirable to total aluminium in the dust samples varied significantly. At high exposure, serum aluminium, although significantly raised, was still within the normal range of an unexposed population. The workers with low exposure excreted aluminium in urine at levels significantly higher than the controls, but still within the normal range of the population. However, potroom workers with medium and high exposure had significantly higher urinary aluminium than the normal range. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that only urinary aluminium constitutes a practical index of occupational exposure at or above 0.35 mg Al/m3, and that the respirable fraction of the dust may play a major role in the biological response to exposure to aluminium in a smelter environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H B Röllin
- National Centre for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bensryd I, Rylander L, Högstedt B, Aprea P, Bratt I, Fåhraéus C, Holmén A, Karlsson A, Nilsson A, Svensson BL. Effect of acid precipitation on retention and excretion of elements in man. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 1994; 145:81-102. [PMID: 8016632 DOI: 10.1016/0048-9697(94)90299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
From a population of 8918 farmers, 237 were selected whose consumption of locally produced foods was high. The subjects' water sources, private wells, were of different degrees of acidity. Significant associations between pH (median 6.7, range 4.7-8.6) of the drinking water and element concentrations were found. The correlation was negative for aluminium (Al; median 0.07 mumol/l), cadmium (Cd; 0.44 nmol/l), copper (Cu; 0.24 mumol/l) and lead (Pb; 1.9 nmol/l), and positive for calcium (Ca; 0.62 mmol/l) and magnesium (Mg; 0.21 mmol/l). Associations could not be found between the pH of, or element concentrations in, the water and concentrations of A1 (0.17 mumol/l), Mg (0.86 mmol/l) and selenium (Se; 1.0 mumol/l) in plasma, Cd (2.0 nmol/l), Pb (0.19 mumol/l) and mercury (Hg; 13 nmol/l) in blood, or A1 (12 mumol/mol creatinine) and Cu (11 mumol/mol creatinine) in urine. The concentrations of Hg in blood and Se in plasma were related to fish consumption, Cd and Pb in blood to smoking, A1 in urine to antacid intake, Pb in blood to rifle activities and hunting, and Hg in blood to hunting. Acid precipitation has an effect on element concentrations in drinking water, but not on the retention of those elements in the subjects investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bensryd
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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