An evaluation of renal function in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapour
Stonard, M.D.; Chater, B.V.; Duffield, D.P.; Nevitt, A.L.; O'Sullivan, J.J.; Steel, G.T.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 52(2): 177-189
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-0131 PMID: 6354940 Document Number: 207301
The renal function of a population of workers occupationally exposed to Hg in the chloralkali industry was examined and compared to that of a population of workers with no occupational exposure to Hg. Measurement of specific urinary proteins and enzymes were carried out on each individual on 3 occasions and were complemented by blood plasma measurements at the final visit. Under the conditions of exposure to Hg sustained in this study, there was no evidence of an increased prevalence of renal dysfunction as indicated by enzyme and protein measurements. The urinary concentration of the low MW protein, .beta.2-microglobulin, was significantly lower in the Hg-exposed group than in the control group. In contrast to recently published literature, no relationship was seen between urinary Hg concentration and the appearance of high MW protein in urine. A small increase in the prevalence of higher activities of the urinary enzyme N-acetyl-.beta.-glucosaminidase and .gamma.-glutamyl transferase was observed when the urinary Hg concentration exceeded 100 .mu.g/g creatinine. A small increase in the prevalence of raised urinary N-acetyl-.beta.-glucosaminidase activity was observed when the duration of exposure to Hg exceeded 10 yr. The pattern of proteinuria was characterized in 16 individuals from both populations; a low MW proteinuria was seen in 3 individuals from the control group; a high MW proteinuria was seen in the remainder (7 in the control and 6 in the Hg group).