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Urinary mercury levels and early changes in kidney function in dentists and dental assistants
Author(s) -
Verschoor Marga A.,
Herber Robert F. M.,
Zielhuis Reinier L.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1988.tb00563.x
Subject(s) - medicine , mercury (programming language) , urine , urinary system , proteinuria , nephrotoxicity , renal function , kidney , physiology , excretion , urology , dentistry , endocrinology , computer science , programming language
Mercury exposure and renal function parameters were examined in 68 dentists and 64 dental assistants. The levels of mercury in urine were low: only three individuals exceeded 20 μg/1. Increased excretion of urinary proteins and increased activity of urinary enzymes were observed. This enhanced prevalence of renal function changes appeared not to be related to the mercury urine level, age. sex. or smoking and drinking habits. Only for men was a positive relation between the level of mercury in urine and the activity of β‐galactosidase found. The proteinuria may be due to one or more potential nephrotoxic agents used in dental practice.