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Factors affecting plasma aluminum concentrations in nonexposed workers
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Plasma aluminum levels in office workers were studied. Antacid use and sample batch significantly influenced aluminum concentrations, highlighting potential contamination issues in analysis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Aluminum exposure is a concern, even in non-occupational settings.
- Understanding baseline plasma aluminum levels is crucial for health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution and identify factors influencing plasma aluminum concentrations in healthy office employees.
- To assess the impact of antacid use on plasma aluminum levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma aluminum concentrations in 71 non-occupationally exposed office employees.
- Utilized Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for sample analysis.
- Applied International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) procedures for data cleaning and multiple regression for determinant analysis.
Main Results:
- Plasma aluminum concentrations were log normally distributed.
- The 95th percentile plasma aluminum value was 198 nmol/L, decreasing to 175 nmol/L after excluding antacid users.
- Sample batch and antacid use were significant predictors of plasma aluminum levels, suggesting contamination risks.
Conclusions:
- Plasma aluminum levels in the general population are influenced by factors like antacid consumption.
- Analytical procedures and sample handling introduce variability, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control to minimize contamination.