Heavy Metal Biological Monitoring

Heavy Metals · Heavy Metals overview

Heavy metal biological monitoring covers statutory lead surveillance under CLAW 2002 and discretionary programmes for mercury, cadmium, chromium, nickel, cobalt and arsenic across UK metalworking, refining and battery sectors.

Statutory lead monitoring

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 mandate biological monitoring of blood-lead for any worker exposed to lead. Action levels of 50 µg/dl (women of reproductive capacity: 25 µg/dl), 60 µg/dl (other workers) and suspension levels of 60 µg/dl (women of reproductive capacity: 30 µg/dl), 70 µg/dl (other workers) apply. Sampling is at least every 12 months, more frequently for workers above the action level.

Discretionary metal programmes

Urinary mercury, cadmium, chromium, nickel, cobalt and arsenic are commonly monitored where airborne exposure occurs in refining, plating, welding, hard-metal manufacture and battery production. Each has its own matrix, timing and reference value.

Method and matrix

Blood for lead and inorganic mercury; urine for chromium, nickel, cobalt, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. ICP-MS is the standard analytical method, with speciation by HPLC-ICP-MS where required (arsenic).