title: Studies in oral galvanism: mercury and copper levels in urine, blood and saliva in submerged electrically cutting divers.
abstract: The aim of the study was to analyse the concentration levels of mercury and copper in urine, blood/blood plasma and saliva in relation to intra-oral electrical activity. Five Swedish Navy divers took part in the study in order to determine whether working submerged with electrical cutting equipment produced changes in the presence and level of oral galvanism and whether this posed a serious occupational health risk. The investigation concluded that the risk of seriously increased intra-oral electrical activity during welding or cutting activities was small. Development of the study is suggested, with long-term sampling of urine and blood samples of divers supported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology, Gothenburg University.
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Ortendahl
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Holland
authors.forename: H O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Röckert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D003343:Corrosion; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004242:Diving; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004570:Electrogalvanism, Intraoral; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D012463:Saliva / Q000032:analysis*; D014896:Welding
chemical_list: D003300:Copper; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury