[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.