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Characteristics of Decreased Pulmonary Function and Clinical Symptoms in Nickel Electroplating Workers
Yu-Chung Tsao1, Ya-Ching Chang, Po-Wen Gu
1Department of Occupational Medicine (Dr Tsao, Dr Luo); Department of Dermatology (Dr Chang); Department of Laboratory Medicine (Dr Gu), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou; Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City (Dr Tzeng); Department of Statistics, National Taipei University, Taipei (Dr Tzeng); and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University (Dr Tsao, Dr Luo), Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Objective:
To investigate health problems, especially pulmonary function, among electroplating workers exposed to nickel.
Methods:
We recruited 153 nickel-exposed and 74 control workers from electroplating shops in printed circuit board production plants. Questionnaires were conducted to collect basic information. Symptoms and pulmonary function were ascertained.
Results:
The average urine nickel level of the 79 high-exposure, 74 low-exposure, and 74 control workers were 7.38 ± 5.96, 5.79 ± 4.75, and 5.27 ± 3.89 μg/g Cr, respectively. Nickel-exposed workers had a significantly higher incidence of skin- and airway-based symptoms. A significant relationship between impaired pulmonary function and high (more than5.2 μg/g Cr) urine nickel level was observed.
Conclusions:
Nickel-exposed workers had significantly higher urine nickel levels with more skin-, airway-based symptoms, as well as impaired pulmonary function. A dose-response relationship between decreased pulmonary function and nickel exposure status was observed.
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