Systematic review of biomonitoring data on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. 2021

Jelle Verdonck, and Radu-Corneliu Duca, and Karen S Galea, and Ivo Iavicoli, and Katrien Poels, and Zehra Nur Töreyin, and Jeroen Vanoirbeek, and Lode Godderis
Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Blok d-box 7001, Belgium. Electronic address: jelle.verdonck@kuleuven.be.

Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) can cause serious adverse health effects such as lung cancer and irritation of the skin and airways. Although assessment of chromium (Cr) in urine is not specific for Cr(VI) exposure, the total amount of Cr in urine is the most used marker of exposure for biomonitoring of Cr(VI). The purpose of this systematic review was fourfold: (1) to assess current and recent biomonitoring levels in subjects occupationally exposed to Cr(VI), with a focus on urinary Cr levels at the end of a working week, (2) to identify variables influencing these biomonitoring levels, (3) to identify how urinary Cr levels correlate with other Cr(VI) exposure markers and (4) to identify gaps in the current research. To address these purposes, unpublished and published biomonitoring data were consulted: (i) unpublished biomonitoring data comprised urinary Cr levels (n = 3799) of workers from different industries in Belgium collected during 1998-2018, in combination with expert scores indicating jobs with Cr exposure and (ii) published biomonitoring data was extracted by conducting a systematic literature review. A linear mixed effect model was applied on the unpublished biomonitoring data, showing a decreasing time trend of 30% in urinary Cr levels. Considering the observed decreasing time trend, only articles published between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2020 were included in the systematic literature search to assess current and recent biomonitoring levels. Twenty-five studies focusing on human biomonitoring of exposure to Cr(VI) in occupational settings were included. Overall, the results showed a decreasing time trend in urinary Cr levels and the need for more specific Cr(VI) biomarkers. Furthermore, this review indicated the importance of improved working conditions, efficient use of personal protective equipment, better exposure control and increased risk awareness to reduce Cr levels in biological matrices. Further investigation of the contribution of the different exposure routes is needed, so that better guidance on the use of control measures can be provided. In addition, this review support the call for more harmonization of human biomonitoring.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007221 Industry Any enterprise centered on the processing, assembly, production, or marketing of a line of products, services, commodities, or merchandise, in a particular field often named after its principal product. Examples include the automobile, fishing, music, publishing, insurance, and textile industries. Tertiary Sector,Industries,Sector, Tertiary,Sectors, Tertiary,Tertiary Sectors
D002857 Chromium A trace element that plays a role in glucose metabolism. It has the atomic symbol Cr, atomic number 24, and atomic weight 52. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP85-002,1985), chromium and some of its compounds have been listed as known carcinogens.
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000079687 Biological Monitoring Monitoring of the level of toxins, chemical pollutants, microbial contaminants, or other harmful substances in the bodies of living organisms, by DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING or by analyzing BLOOD; URINE; BREAST MILK; SALIVA, etc. Bio-Monitoring,Biologic Monitoring,Biomonitoring,Monitoring, Biological,Bio Monitoring,Monitoring, Biologic
D016273 Occupational Exposure The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents that occurs as a result of one's occupation. Exposure, Occupational,Exposures, Occupational,Occupational Exposures

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