Evaluation of trace elements in lung samples from coal miners using neutron activation analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Coal mining exposes workers to various elements.
• Understanding elemental accumulation in lung tissue is crucial for occupational health.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively analyzed trace elements in Brazilian coal miners' lungs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine concentrations of specific trace elements in lung samples from coal miners in Santa Catarina, Brazil.
• To compare elemental concentrations in miners' lungs with those of a healthy control group.
• To assess the impact of uranium fission products on analytical results.

Main Methods:

• Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was employed.
• Analysis included Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, Th, and U.
• Certified reference materials were analyzed for accuracy validation.

Main Results:

• Elevated concentrations of determined elements were found in miners' lungs compared to controls.
• Significant intersubject variability in elemental concentrations was observed within both groups.
• Uranium concentrations ranged from 11 to 890 µg/kg in lung samples.

Conclusions:

• Coal miners exhibit higher lung burdens of specific trace elements.
• Intersubject variability necessitates careful interpretation of individual exposure levels.
• Interference from uranium fission products requires correction for accurate analysis of certain elements.