ASSESSMENT OF RENAL-FUNCTION OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO INORGANIC LEAD, CADMIUM OR MERCURY-VAPOR

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 22  (11) , 741-750
Abstract
The renal function of workers occupationally exposed to Cd (n = 148), to Hg vapor (n = 63) or to inorganic Pb (n = 25) was compared with that of workers with no occupational exposure to heavy metals (n = 88). A moderate exposure to Pb (Pb-B [blood] < 62 .mu.g/100 ml) does not seem to alter renal function. Excessive exposure to Cd increases the urinary excretion of both low and high MW proteins and of tubular enzymes. These changes are mainly observed in workers excreting more than 10 .mu.g Cd/g creatinine or with Cd-B above 1 .mu.g Cd/100 ml whole blood. Occupational exposure to Hg vapor induces glomerular dysfunction as evidenced by an increased urinary excretion of high MW proteins and a slightly increased prevalence of higher .beta.2-microglobulin concentration in plasma without concomitant change in urinary .beta.2-microglobulin concentration. .beta.-Galactosidase activity in blood and in urine is also increased. The likelihood of these findings is greater in workers with Hg-B and Hg-U [urine] exceeding 3 .mu.g/100 ml whole blood and 50 .mu.g/g creatinine, respectively. The glomerular dysfunction induced by Cd and Hg might result from an autoimmune mechanism.

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