Fluoride, aluminum and phosphate kinetics in cryolite workers

Article Abstract:

Cryolite is a fluoride used as a flux in aluminum production. Exposure to fluoride dust has been shown to result in osteosclerosis, an abnormal hardening of bone. Fluoride exposure is generally detected by urinalysis since fluoride is excreted in the urine. A study of four aluminum workers was conducted to measure the relationship between exposure to cryolite dust and fluoride concentrations in urine and blood serum. The four workers were tested over a four-day period after their return from a five-day vacation. Preshift blood and urine samples were taken and additional urine samples were taken at four hour intervals during the workday. Further blood and urine samples were taken during the postshift period between the third and fourth day of evaluation. Dust concentrations in the work area were also measured. Fluoride concentrations in serum and urine increased significantly during the work week; concentrations increased most in those workers who had greatest exposure to the dust. Serum levels change rapidly, so blood testing should be conducted immediately after work. The serum levels began to decrease after the end of a shift; the rate of decrease suggests that the effect has a half life of five to six hours. The levels of fluoride increased with each day of the work week, and toward the end of the work week did not return to normal between the end of the shift and the following morning. This study suggests that serum fluoride measurements are a useful tool in monitoring individual absorption of cryolite dust. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health, Fluorides

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Anatomy of the healthy worker effect: a critical review

Article Abstract:

The "healthy worker effect" comes out of statistics that show the employed population having better mortality than the general population. This effect is related to the "active worker effect" that shows longer life expectancy and lower morbidity rates among active workers. The "healthy worker effect" is felt to be related to worker selection and the occurrence of life changes. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) methodology is analyzed.

Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Unemployed workers

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Managing the health of the employee

Article Abstract:

Employees and their families who are not well prove to be expensive to their companies in direct and indirect costs. The indirect costs, absenteeism and limitation of performance, are felt to be more expensive than the direct costs, medical and hospital expense, sickness benefits and workman's compensation.

Management, Economic aspects, Human resource management, Corporations, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Medicine, Industrial, Industrial medicine

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