[Evaluation of bone mineral density in the distal radius of former workers employed at the Aluminum Works].
Fluoride causes an increase in bone mass by stimulation of osteogenetic process. This effect is used in treatment of osteoporosis. Chronic exposure to fluoride in aluminium works can cause an industrial fluorosis, which is characterised by increased mineral content in bone tissue. It is well known that after cessation of fluoride is gradually eliminated from the bone. Probably this same process can exist in patients with osteoporosis after stopping of osteoporosis treatment, so we decided to estimate bone mineral density in former workers of aluminium works. For investigation a group of 169 of men in mean age of 50.0 years, all of whom had worked for at least five years (average 12.9 yrs) in Skawina aluminium works before their closure in 1981, was selected. The control group was 29 men in the same age not exposed for fluoride. In all patient bone densitometry in distal and ultradistal region were evaluated. Decreased bone mineral density was found in workers of aluminium workers, compared to the control group, particularly in age groups of 40-44 and 50-54 years. Differences were bigger in measurements of trabecular bone.
Czerwiński
E
E
Kliniki Ortopedii Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie.
Friedlein
J
J
Kukiełka
R T
RT
D000328:Adult; D000535:Aluminum / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005459:Fluorides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011044:Poland; D011884:Radius / Q000737:chemistry
D000535:Aluminum; D005459:Fluorides