Serum and urinary vanadium of workers processing vanadium pentoxide

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) exposure is a concern in industrial settings.
• Understanding vanadium kinetics is crucial for assessing occupational health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum and urinary vanadium concentrations in workers exposed to vanadium pentoxide dust.
• To determine the correlation between exposure levels, serum vanadium, and urinary vanadium excretion.

Main Methods:

• Eight male workers exposed to vanadium pentoxide dust were monitored.
• Serum and urinary vanadium concentrations were measured.
• Urinary vanadium was adjusted for creatinine levels.
• Measurements were taken during and after a period of exposure cessation (summer holidays).

Main Results:

• Creatinine-adjusted urinary vanadium correlated significantly with serum vanadium (r = 0.81).
• Urinary vanadium excretion decreased significantly with time out of exposure.
• Vanadium levels in serum and urine remained detectable for up to 16 days after exposure cessation.
• Family members of exposed workers showed lower urinary vanadium levels.

Conclusions:

• Urinary vanadium excretion is a reliable indicator of absorbed vanadium.
• The majority of absorbed vanadium is excreted renally within approximately one day following moderate, long-term exposure.
• Occupational exposure monitoring should consider both serum and urinary vanadium levels.