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Urinary arsenic levels in timber treatment operators
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|January 10, 1979
Summary
Timber treatment workers show high arsenic urine levels, significantly exceeding normal ranges. Engineering controls and strict hygiene practices are recommended to reduce chemical exposure in the wood preservation industry.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Environmental toxicology
- Industrial hygiene
Background:
- Wood preservation processes can involve hazardous chemicals.
- Occupational exposure to chemicals like arsenic poses health risks.
- Monitoring worker exposure is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate arsenic levels in urine of timber treatment operators.
- To assess the extent of occupational exposure to arsenic in the wood industry.
- To provide recommendations for reducing chemical exposure.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples were collected from timber treatment operators.
- Arsenic levels in urine were measured.
- Data was compared to established normal ranges.
Main Results:
- Mean arsenic levels in timber treatment operators were 222 micrograms/l.
- This level is significantly higher than the normal range of 5-40 micrograms/l.
- Indicating substantial occupational exposure to arsenic.
Conclusions:
- Timber treatment operators experience significant arsenic exposure.
- The wood preservation industry must implement engineering controls to reduce air emissions.
- Strict work practices, including hygiene and protective clothing, are essential to mitigate exposure to arsenic and chromium.