Lipid peroxidation in workers exposed to aluminium, gallium, indium, arsenic, and antimony in the optoelectronic industry.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether exposure to aluminum, gallium, indium, arsenic, and antimony induces lipid peroxidation in humans. METHODS: Whole blood and urine levels of 103 exposed electronic industry workers and 67 referents were analyzed by use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA), the product of lipid peroxidation, was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The mean plasma MDA level in the 103 workers was significantly higher than that in 67 referents. The levels of MDA in the exposed workers were correlated significantly with the levels of urinary gallium and arsenic. CONCLUSIONS: Malondialdehyde as an index of lipid peroxidation can be induced by gallium and arsenic exposure. By reducing exposure to these metals, biologic effects such as lipid peroxidation may also be diminished.