[Evaluation of magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium levels in workers exposed to organic solvents, hydrogen cyanide and harmful physical factors].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the work was to assess te effect of chronic occupational exposure to organic solvents, hydrogen cyanide, and harmful physical factors (noise, vibration and electromagnetic fields) on intra- and extracellular concentration of magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium. The study converted 83 persons (25 males and 57 females), aged 20-58 years (median: 37.8 +/- 8.64), employed in the MERA PAFAL SA Factory of Measuring Equipment, Swidnica, for 0.42 +/- 34 years (median: 11.84 +/- 9.28). The subjects were divided into four groups: Group A-25 persons exposed to organic solvents; Group B-24 persons exposed to hydrogen cyanide; Group C-19 persons exposed to noise and vibration; and Group D-8 persons exposed to electromagnetic fields. Blood samples (10 ml) were collected from each person. Intra- and extracellular concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium were estimated.

CONCLUSIONS: exposure to 1) organic solvents induces depletion of calcium and zinc from the body and intracellular cumulation of magnesium; 2) to hydrogen cyanide induces depletion of intracellular zinc and intracellular cumulation of magnesium and zinc; 3) to noise and vibration induces depletion of calcium, zinc and copper and intracellular cumulation of magnesium; and 4) electromagnetic fields does not induce any significant changes in ionic concentrations.