Occupational health aspects of platinum

Abstract

Human health risks at workplaces in platinum industry can emerge from inhalative exposure, explicitly allergic asthma caused by halogenated complex platinum salts. Airborne concentrations of platinum (Pt) are varying (up to 20 µg Pt/m3) among workplaces, but reliable ambient measurements are not easy because of short-term concentration peaks and sensitisation to platinum salts can occur even in low exposure levels. Biological monitoring of Pt in urine gives clear evidence for exposure because values are 100–1,000-fold higher compared to unexposed population (1–10 ng/l). Regular medical examinations are recommended to determine specific sensitisation and work related allergic symptoms. In pharmacies and hospital care units cancerogenic platinum compounds like the drug cisplatin are handled in cancer therapy. In such settings exposure levels are low and urinary Pt concentrations close to those of unexposed people. Therefore, confounders like dental noble metal alloys can have a significant influence and have to be taken in account. Wipe samples have been introduced in pharmacies and hospitals and are an appropriate method to detect contaminated spots and help to reduce exposure to cancerogenic platinum compounds through improvement of work place safety measures.