Biomonitoring of occupational exposure: Neutron activation determination of selected metals in the body tissues and fluids of workers manufacturing stainless steel vessels

Occupational exposure was examined for 20 workers dealing with welding, polishing, and assembling of stainless steel vessels. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used for determination of selected elements in hair and nail, whereas urinary Cr and Mn, blood Mn and serum Cr were determined by radiochemical neutron activation analysis. Increased levels of Cr in hair, nails, serum and urine, Mo in hair, and Mn in blood were found in the exposed group compared to controls. Accuracy of the results was proven by analysis of reference materials and by comparison of element levels in controls with reference values for non-exposed persons.