Work Environment Factors and Their Influence on Urinary Chromium Levels in Informal Electroplating Workers

One of the informal sector which absorbs labor was electroplating business. This sector uses chromium as coating material because it was strong, corrosion resistant and strong. Nonetheless hexavalent chromium is highly toxic if inhaled, swallowed and contact with skin. Poor hygiene, the lack of work environment factors and sanitation conditions can increase the levels of chromium in the body. This aimed of this study was to analyze the association between work environment factors and levels of urinary chromium in informal electroplating worker. A Purposive study was conducted in Tegal Central Java. The research subjects were 66 male workers. Chi Square analysis was used to establish an association between work environment factors and level of urinary chromium. There is a relationship between heat stress and wind direction to the chromium levels in urine (p <0.05), but there is no relationship between humidity and levels of chromium in the urine (p> 0.05). This explains that work environment factors can increase chromium levels in the urine of informal electroplating workers.

Chromium Exposure and Hygienic Behaviors in Printing Workers in Southern Thailand

Objectives.The main objective of this study was to assess the chromium exposure levels in printing workers. The study evaluated the airborne, serum, and urinary chromium levels and determines any correlation between level of chromium in specimen and airborne chromium levels.Material and Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted with 75 exposed and 75 matched nonexposed subjects. Air breathing zone was measured by furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum and urine samples were collected to determine chromium levels by graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometer chromium analyzer.Results and Discussion.The printing workers’ urinary chromium levels (6.86±1.93 μg/g creatinine) and serum chromium levels (1.24±1.13 μg/L) were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001andp<0.001). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene were significantly associated with urinary chromium level and serum chromium levels (p<0.001andp<0.001). This study found a correlation between airborne chromium levels and urinary chromium levels (r=0.247,p=0.032). A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary and serum chromium levels were shown in this study.Conclusion.Improvements in working conditions, occupational health training, and PPE use are recommended to reduce chromium exposure.