Renal function and long-term low mercury vapor exposure

Renal function indicated by urinary albumin and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase was studied among a group of male chlorine-alkali workers (N = 60) and their matched referents (N = 60). Exposure to mercury vapor had occurred at least 5 y (mean 13.7 y; SD 5.5 y). The estimated long-term exposure level calculated from the time-weighted average blood concentrations of mercury had been approximately 25 micrograms/m3 of air. Neither glomerular nor tubular effects were shown in the exposed workers.