Summary
Urinary excretion of beta-hexosaminidase (NAG = N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase) and albumin was examined in 41 chlor-alkali workers exposed to inorganic mercury and 41 age-matched controls. Either U-HG or B-Hg levels for these workers were available dating from the 1960s to the present. Increased U-NAG was seen in workers with a U-Hg today of more than 4μg/mmol creat (about 50μg/l; 35 μg/g creat). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that U-NAG was correlated to U-Hg and integrated dose but not to the present B-Hg level. No albuminuria (detection limit 12.5 mg/1) was found in any of the subjects. In a longitudinal study, no decrease in UNAG levels was seen in 15 chlor-alkali workers after their vacation (x = 20 d). In five workers followed for ten months after a short exposure period, no definite time trend could be seen. The results show that there is a slight effect on renal tubules even at rather low levels of exposure to mercury vapour. The clinical significance of the enzymuria levels found here is, however, debatable.
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Barregård, L., Hultberg, B., Schütz, A. et al. Enzymuria in workers exposed to inorganic mercury. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 61, 65–69 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00381609
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00381609