The basic haematological measurements in peripheral blood from workers exposed to mercury vapours

Abstract

In the present study was assessed the influence of occupational exposure to mercury vapours on the basic haematological parameters (erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC). Studies were carried out on 138 workers involved in the production of chlorine using the mercuric electrolysis method (divided into three groups: permanently, periodically and earlier exposed to mercury vapours), as well as on 38 healthy workers. The shift time - weighted averages for mercury was determined in the workplace air before research; mean value was significantly over maximum tolerated dose. The mercury content in the blood and urine of exposed workers was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In all three groups 95th percentile values of mercury in blood and urine are significantly over MTD. Peripheral blood cell parameters were determined using an automatic cell counter. In the group exposed to mercury vapours, was found a statistically significant increase of erythrocyte count with a concomitant decrease in MCV. The mean values of haemoglobin concentration, MCHC and platelet count were higher in the group of workers exposed to mercury vapours, but the difference was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in haematocrit, MCH and leukocytes between the studied groups. Our results indicate that long-term and permanent exposure to mercury vapours induces changes in the important haematological parameters of the peripheral blood.