Pulmonary effects associated with occupational exposure to nickel in ceramic workers

Nickel (Ni) compounds are used as pigments in ceramic glazes.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 49 ceramic workers occupationally exposed to nickel and 55 office workers without a history of occupational exposure to nickel (reference group). Urine samples were collected from 49 workers at both pre- and post-shift (98 samples). The reference group was examined only once (55 samples). Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) was used for sample preparation. Analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).Information about smoking habits, overtime work, work history, skin dermatitis, kind of job, using mask, ventilation system, age, weight, and height was collected through questionnaires. The lung function tests were performed on each reference and exposed group by vitalograph spirometer. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the data.

The data demonstrated that Ni concentration in the exposed workers was significantly higher than that in the reference group. Parameters of pulmonary function in the exposed group were significantly lower than those of the reference group (P <0.001). Those using the mask also exhibited a significantly lower Ni concentration than those not using mask.

These findings indicate that exposure to Ni is associated with significant decrements in the pulmonary function parameters.