Occupational health effects due to nickel and chromium exposure in electroplating workers

Occupational exposure to chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) compounds may result in adverse health effects. This study aimed to determine hematological changes in blood and hair in electroplating workers. Twenty-three electroplating workers and seven control subjects with no history of occupational exposure to Cr were recruited in Madurai district, South India. Metal levels in erythrocytes were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Ni was found to accumulate at higher levels than Cr in workers than the control subjects. There was no significant change in blood glucose, serum creatinine, and hemoglobin content in workers compared to the control subjects even after stratification by potential confounding factors, such as age, gender, and smoking status. The findings in this study indicated that there was detectable Cr and Ni exposure in electroplating workers. Low-level occupational Cr and Ni exposure induced higher erythrocyte sedimentation and increased the percentage of eosinophils in workers.