A toxic burden in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province: elevated heavy metal concentrations in sanitation workers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sanitation workers are exposed to heavy metals due to improper disposal of waste. This study analyzes heavy metal concentrations in the serum, urine, and blood of sanitation workers exposed to improperly disposed e-waste and industrial residues, and examines how protective measures affect these levels.

Methods

This study examines heavy metal levels in 102 sanitation workers (22 operators, 37 drivers, and 43 sanitary workers) versus a control group of 50 unrelated workers. Samples were pre-treated with 0.5% nitric acid and Triton X-100 for serum and blood, and 0.5% nitric acid with 200 μg/L gold for urine. ICP-MS in KED mode was used to measure concentrations of 10 heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, and Pb) in the samples.

Results

Long working

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12909531 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature