Selected markers of subclinical renal damage in men occupationally exposed to mercury vapours

: The concentrations of albumin, IgG, transferrin, retinol binding protein (RBP), alpha-1-microglobulin (alpha-1-m) and beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-m) were determined in urine of 83 males 21 to 60 years old (Mean = 41.2 +/- SD = 10.7) with a history of occupational exposure to metallic mercury vapours from 7 months to 37 years (Mean=16.3 +/- 10.9) and in 30 males without this exposure by using the nephelometry (Behring's antibodies, references and controls). The weighted mean of mercury concentrations in air was from 0.028 to 0.037 mg m(-3). The urinary level of mercury was determined by using the atomic absorption spectrometer Coleman Mercury Analyzer Mas-50, Perkin-Elmer USA, in alpha=253.7nm. The detection limit of the analytical procedure of determination of mercury in urine was 10 microg/dm3 and in blood was 4 microg Hg/dm3. Workers were divided into three groups depending on the duration of exposure: I/. 30 males with a short history of exposure to Hg0 (7 months to 9 years) (4.2 +/- 2.8), II/. 18 males exposed from 10 to 20 years (14.5 +/- 3.3) and III/. 35 males with a history of long exposure (21 to 37 years) (27.5 +/- 4.0) following three groups were divided depending on the degree of exposure: 1/. 32 males with concentrations of mercury in urine 150 microg/dm3, 2-times higher (p 150 microg/dm3. Mean alpha-1-m and beta-2-m urine concentrations were highest in group of workers with urine mercury concentration > 150 microg/dm3 [alpha-1-m by 82% (p 150 microg Hg/dM3 urine concentration. In conclusion, determination of urine proteins, as a markers of early subclinical renal damage may be useful in monitoring occupational exposure to mercury vapours, especially in the group of workers with higher values of urine mercury concentrations.