Inflammatory and coagulatory markers and exposure to different size fractions of particle mass, number and surface area air concentrations in the Swedish hard metal industry, in particular to cobalt

• Purpose: To study the relationship between inhalation of airborne particles and cobalt in the Swedish hard metal industry and markers of inflammation and coagulation in blood.Methods: Personal sampling of inhalable cobalt and dust were performed for subjects in two Swedish hard metal plants. Stationary measurements were used to study concentrations of inhalable, respirable, and total dust and cobalt, PM10 and PM2.5, the particle surface area and the particle number concentrations. The inflammatory markers CC16, TNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, SAA and CRP, and the coagulatory markers FVIII, vWF, fibrinogen, PAI-1 and D-dimer were measured. A complete sampling was performed on the second or third day of a working week following a work-free weekend, and additional sampling was taken on the fourth or fifth day. The mixed model analysis was used, including covariates.Results: The average air concentration of inhalable dust and cobalt were 0.11 mg/m3 and 0.003 mg/m3, respectively. For some mass-based exposure measures of cobalt and total dust, statistically significant increased levels of FVIII, vWF and CC16 were found.Conclusions: The observed relationships between particle exposure and coagulatory biomarkers may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Cobalt

Hard metal industry

Inflammatory markers

Particle mass

Particle number

Particle surface area

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)