[Normal values of methemoglobinemia in a sample of Sardinian workers]

The susceptibility of hemoglobinic iron to oxidation in the ferric form by action of numerous industrial substances, suggested the use of metHbemia dosage in biological monitoring of professional exposure to such substances. In order to have useful reference values, the metHbemia of 975 male workers, from various parts of Sardinia, was measured at least 12 hours after last work shift. 95% of the examined population had metHbemia values lower than 0,86% of total Hb; such result has been compared with other normal values, found in literature and likely causes of the differences between such values have been discussed. On the basis of our results and on the examination of literature an intervention prospectus is suggested for biological monitoring of exposure to methemoglobinising substances.