Avtor/Urednik		Franko, Alenka; Budihna, Metka V; Dodič-Fikfak, Metoda
Naslov		Long-term effects of elemental mercury function in miners of the Idrija mercury mine
Tip		članek
Vir		Ann Occup Hyg
Vol. in št.		Letnik 49, št. 6
Leto izdaje		2005
Obseg		str. 521-7
Jezik		eng
Abstrakt		Background: The kidneys are one of the main target organs for elemental mercury (Hg0). The influence of Hg0 on kidneys has been extensively studied but the long-term effects on this organ have not yet been determined with certainty. The basic aim of this research was to study the effects of along-term exposure to Hg ` vapours on the renal function in miners in the postexposure period. Methods: The population studied comprised 53 miners (33 active and 20 retired) from the Idrija Mercury Mine as the exposed miners group and 53 unexposed workers as the control group. On the basis of mine exposure records (air and biological monitoring), the environmental and biological indicators of the past exposure to Hg0 were calculated for each miner. Kidney function was determined in both groups, i.e. in the exposed miners as well as in the controls. Glomerular kidney function was evaluated by a quantitative analysis of albumin and IgG in urine. Tubular kidney function, however, was determined by a quantitative analysis of a,microglobulin in urine and by the enzymatic activity of N-acetyl-(3-n-glucosaminidase (NAG). (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters)
Deskriptorji		MERCURY MINING KIDNEY KIDNEY FUNCTION TESTS OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE ADULT MIDDLE AGE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING