Biological monitoring of workers' exposure to bromine

The use of serum bromine concentration (SeBr) as a measure of exposure was examined in an occupational cohort. Associations with work site, department type, chemical handling, and occupation, as proxy measures of exposure, were studied. SeBr was associated with all of these measures. SeBr was also associated with various demographic characteristics (age, country of origin, and education) in men. In women, there was no association between SeBr and age, country of origin, or education. The use of SeBr as a measure of exposure is discussed. The conclusion is that the exposure to bromine can be assessed by regular monitoring of SeBr.