The Relationship Between Respiratory Complaints and Urine Aluminum Levels in Aluminum Factory Workers.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective case-control study aimed to investigate the forms and conditions of respiratory effects in workers working in an Aluminum Profile Factory.

METHODS

All male (42 person, mean age: 32.2 ± 6.9) workers working in an Aluminum Profile Factory were compared with 33 controls.

RESULTS

The urinary aluminum levels of the workers were significantly higher than the control group. Complaints of cough, sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing were statistically significantly higher than the control group. In aluminum workers, those with dyspnea had a significantly higher urinary Al level than those without dyspnea.

CONCLUSIONS

It is thought that primary and secondary prevention are both important in the workplaces with aluminum exposure. Urinary aluminum level monitoring could be key to protecting the respiratory health of the workers.