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Skin and respiratory exposure to platinum group metals at two South African precious metals refineries

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Abstract

Objective

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are mined and refined together and have the potential to elicit adverse respiratory and skin health effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the simultaneous skin and respiratory exposure of precious metals refinery workers to all six soluble PGMs.

Methods

The simultaneous skin and respiratory exposure to soluble PGMs of forty workers at two precious metals refineries were measured over two consecutive work shifts using Ghostwipes™ and Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances method 46/2. Skin exposure was measured on the palm, wrist, neck, and forehead of workers.

Results

The highest geometric mean (GM) skin exposure (average of palm, wrist, neck and forehead) was found for soluble Pt (0.008 µg/cm2) [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.005–0.013], followed, in order, by Rh, Ir, Pd, Ru, and Os. Significantly higher concentrations of soluble PGMs were found on the palm and wrist compared to the neck and forehead (p < 0.0001). The highest GM respiratory exposure was found for soluble Pd (0.342 µg/m3 [95% CI 0.163–0.718]) followed, in order, by Pt, Rh, Ru, Ir, and Os. Skin exposure to all soluble PGMs was positively correlated with respiratory exposure (r = 0.466–0.702).

Conclusion

This is the first study to report skin exposure to all six soluble PGMs. Precious metals refinery workers were exposed to quantifiable concentrations of soluble PGMs via both the skin and inhalation. Exposure via both routes occurred together and control measures should be aimed at reducing both skin and respiratory exposure.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the participants and management teams of the respective precious metals refineries for their support.

Funding

This work is based on the research financially supported by the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) Grant no. 90562 and 105636.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    Stephanus J. L. Linde, Anja Franken & Johannes L. du Plessis

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  1. Stephanus J. L. Linde
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  2. Anja Franken
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  3. Johannes L. du Plessis
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The manuscript was compiled from the contributions of all authors.

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Correspondence to Stephanus J. L. Linde.

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Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the North-West University (NWU-00128-14-A1).

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Linde, S.J.L., Franken, A. & du Plessis, J.L. Skin and respiratory exposure to platinum group metals at two South African precious metals refineries. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 94, 1073–1083 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-021-01666-2

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