title: The use of bio-monitoring to assess exposure in the electroplating industry.
abstract: Workers in the electroplating industry are potentially exposed to a range of hazardous substances including nickel and hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) compounds. These can cause serious health effects, including cancer, asthma and dermatitis. This research aimed to investigate whether repeat biological monitoring (BM) over time could drive sustainable improvements in exposure control in the industry. BM was performed on multiple occasions over 3 years, at 53 electroplating companies in Great Britain. Surface and dermal contamination was also measured, and controls were assessed. Air monitoring was undertaken on repeat visits where previous BM results were of concern. There were significant reductions in urinary nickel and chromium levels over the lifetime of this work in the subset of companies where initially, control deficiencies were more significant. Increased risk awareness following provision of direct feedback to individual workers and targeted advice to companies is likely to have contributed to these reductions. This study has shown that exposures to chromium VI and nickel in the electroplating industry occur via a combination of inhalation, dermal and ingestion routes. Surface contamination found in areas such as canteens highlights the potential for transferral from work areas, and the importance of a regular cleaning regime.
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Biological Risks Unit, Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Health and Safety Executive, Woodlands, Bedford, Bedfordshire, UK.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Beattie
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Biological Risks Unit, Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keen
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Biological Risks Unit, Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coldwell
authors.affiliation: Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Biological Risks Unit, Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK.
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.affiliation: Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McAlinden
authors.affiliation: Field Operations Directorate Specialist Group-Occupational Hygiene, Health and Safety Executive, Redgrave Court, Bootle, Merseyside, UK.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D002857:Chromium / Q000652:urine*; D004595:Electroplating; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D009532:Nickel / Q000652:urine*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D015415:Biomarkers; D002857:Chromium; C074702:chromium hexavalent ion; D009532:Nickel