Study of Health Effects in Aluminum Production Workers

Epidemiology2006Vol. 17(Suppl), pp. S514–S515

Abstract

P-752 Background: Harmful conditions in aluminum production are caused by the fluorine and aluminum compounds. Fluoride easily is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and the lungs. Aluminum can be absorbed from the lung by alveolar macrophages. Fluoride is retained in bones and high concentrations have been detected in the kidney, which is the organ primarily involved in fluoride excretion. In general, high concentrations of aluminum have been detected in the skeleton and in the lungs, and prolonged exposure to aluminum may result in increased levels of aluminum in liver, kidneys, and brain tissue. The aim of the study was to assess the health effects in 458 workers who are working in harmful conditions in Sumgayit Production Department of AzerAluminum Stakeholder Association. The study was conducted in Clinic of Occupational Diseases of National Research Institute for Medical Prophylaxis in 2004. Methods: The concentration of HF, CO, aluminum oxide and fluorine salts in the workplace were measured. All of workers were examined and the diagnoses were confirmed by physical examination, fluorography (X-ray investigation of lung and bones, gastrointestinal tract), ECG, external respiration, blood and urine analysis, biochemical examination of blood, fluorine test in urine and gastro-fiberscope and gastric juices tests. Results: The concentration of HF, CO, fluorine compounds and aluminum oxide in workplace was at level 2–11 times higher than permitted maximum concentration. The study showed that 116 workers who were in direct contact with the fluorine compounds experienced fluorine intoxication. It was revealed 60 cases of lung diseases (bronchitis), 47 cases of cardiovascular diseases, 13 cases of hypertension, 7 cases of hypotonia, 167 cases of urine system diseases. The study shows that 176 workers are under the risk of professional diseases (R= 36,4%) and 272 workers has a different diseases of other organ and system. Urinary fluoride levels were greater in the 116 individuals. The age is highly correlated with years exposed. Moderate and marked fluorosis is observed after 15 years employment. Conclusion: To reduce and prevent occupational and different diseases of other organ and system it was made the following recommendations: to improve sanitary-hygienic conditions in workplace; to set specific dietary habits for workers; to conduct routine physical examination; to strengthen of health resort treatment and set up the limitations in regard to work time and experience.

Abstract

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