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Biological markers in chromium exposure assessment: confounding variables
J A Bukowski1, M D Goldstein, B B Johnson
1Division of Science and Research, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton.
Archives of Environmental Health
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Chromium waste pollution is a public health concern. A study found exercise, beer, past chromium jobs, and diabetes significantly affect urinary chromium levels in workers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Chromate production waste in Hudson County, NJ, poses significant environmental and public health risks.
- Assessing occupational exposure is crucial for understanding health impacts in affected populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate chromium exposure levels in state employees working near a contaminated site.
- To identify factors influencing chromium levels in urine and red blood cells (RBCs).
Main Methods:
- Collected urinary and RBC chromium samples from 52 state employees.
- Utilized sensitive analytical techniques to minimize contamination.
- Administered questionnaires to gather data on potential confounding variables.
Main Results:
- Urinary chromium levels were significantly influenced by exercise, beer consumption, prior chromium-related employment, and diabetic status.
- These factors were identified as significant predictors (p < .10) in a regression model.
- No significant effects of examined variables on RBC chromium levels were observed.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle and occupational factors play a key role in determining urinary chromium levels.
- Urinary chromium levels may serve as a sensitive biomarker for exposure and lifestyle influences.
- RBC chromium levels appear less affected by these specific variables in this occupational cohort.