Renal function of chrome-plating workers and welders

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Toxicology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Occupational exposure to water-soluble chromium (VI) is prevalent in industries like chrome-plating and welding.
• Chromium (VI) is a known nephrotoxicant, necessitating evaluation of its effects on renal function in exposed workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of occupational chromium (VI) exposure on renal function.
• To compare renal function parameters among different occupational groups with varying chromium exposure levels.

Main Methods:

• Assessed urinary chromium levels (Cr-U) and chromium clearance in male chrome-plating workers, stainless steel welders, boilermakers, and a control group.
• Determined sensitive renal function parameters, focusing on glomerular function.

Main Results:

• Glomerular function parameters differed between chrome-plating workers/welders and boilermakers/controls.
• Higher urinary chromium levels (Cr-U 1-34 µg/g creat for chrome-platers, 1-62 µg/g creat for welders) were observed in highly exposed groups compared to boilermakers (0.3-1.5 µg/g creat) and controls (0.1-2 µg/g creat).
• No significant relationship was found between renal function parameters and urinary chromium concentration or clearance.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposure to chromium (VI) in chrome-plating and welding may be associated with altered glomerular function.
• Current sensitive renal function parameters did not show a direct correlation with measured chromium exposure levels (Cr-U or clearance) in these workers.