[Study on urinary arsenic, lead and cadmium concentrations in a steel production workers]

Lead and cadmium levels in urine specimens were determined simultaneously by polarographic method, and arsenic by hydride atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The urine specimens were pretreated with a mixed acid solution and ORTHO bilevel urine metal control and APG Setpoint standard were used to check the analytical accuracy. The results showed the total arsenic [As], lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd] levels in the production and the quality control workers, were significantly higher than those in the control. The results indicate the need for an immediate improvement in workplace ventilation and industrial hygiene practices.