Aluminium is used in a wide range of industrial processes such as the manufacture of alloys, window frames, engine parts, aircraft parts, roofs, electric wires etc.
Aluminium is mainly absorbed through the lungs by inhalation of fumes and fine dust particles. Some aluminium is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract when large amounts of high aluminium containing compounds are ingested, such as antacids. It is largely excreted via the urine, although some is also excreted in the bile.
Measurement of urine aluminium is used to monitor workers occupationally exposed to fumes and dust. Welders have the highest excretion levels among exposed workers.
The half life of aluminium is 8 hours, a relatively short period, at first exposure. However, this increases with the length of exposure, and can reach 6 months after 10 years of exposure.
Lipids/Trace Metals
UAL
Recommended sampling time is POST SHIFT - the last 2 hours to immediately following the end of the working week.
Aliquot to Core lab for UCRN
5 days