HBM4EU Chromates Study - CHRC and ENSP-NOVA researchers in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

HBM4EU Chromates Study - CHRC and ENSP-NOVA researchers in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Professor of ENSP-NOVA and researcher at CHRC, Susana Viegas and Carla Martins, had their paper “HBM4EU Chromates Study: Determinants of Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium in Plating, Welding and Other Occupational Settings” published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

This study main focus is the work-related exposures in industrial settings where chromates are used, which may result in negative impacts in workers’ health. It has been proven that Cr(VI) is carcinogenic, causing lung cancer and has been associated with cancer of the nose and nasal sinuses. The researchers are trying to understand the determinants of exposure and study the effectiveness of different risk management measures (RMMs). A combination of biomonitoring and industrial hygiene monitoring approaches allowed concluding on the RMMs that have better results in the different occupational settings.

Main findings:

  • Automatisation of Cr electroplating dipping explained lower exposure levels in platers. 
  • The use of personal protective equipment resulted in lower U-Cr levels in welding, bath plating and painting. 
  • An effect of wearing gloves was observed in machining.
  • An effect of local exhaust ventilation and training was observed in welding.

These findings are relevant at scientific level but also for the EU policy concerning chemicals safety since Cr(VI) is regulated in different regulatory frameworks, such as REACH and Occupational and Safety regulations.

The study is integrated in a European project, HBM4EU (EU human biomonitoring initiative) and counts with researchers from other European research institutions.

Access to the paper for more details here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8953290/

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Author

Andreia Santos

Researchers

Carla Martins

Susana Viegas