GSA measuring devices SG10-2A and PM4-2 determine the heavy metal load
If there is a risk of heavy metal exposure at the workplace, it often makes sense to test for heavy metal exposure. It is important to consider a few points in advance. Our GSA measuring devices SG10-2A or PM4-2, for example, are suitable for this purpose.
These devices can be used to measure the particle measurements of the dust fraction of A-dust and/or E-dust.
The initial question here is in which fraction the element to be analyzed can be detected, or for which fraction a valid limit value exists.
We will be happy to find out which measuring devices are suitable for your needs in a personal consultation.
Definition for heavy metals
The term heavy metals is not clearly defined, so various metals are grouped together.
Different parameters are used for categorization; atomic weight, density or atomic number. According to an IUPAC study, there are currently around 38 different definitions of the term heavy metal.
They are most frequently defined by their density. It is a heavy metal if the density is above 4.5 g/cm3. This includes (among others) lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, iron and zinc.
Health risk from heavy metal exposure
Not all heavy metals are harmful. There are some that the body actually needs. These include iron, zinc and copper. As these substances are vital for the body, they are also called trace elements. However, not every trace element is a heavy metal, at this point the categories just overlap.
As with all substances, the dose determines the poison. Trace elements can also pose a health risk if they are ingested in high concentrations. Other heavy metals such as lead or mercury are toxic even in the smallest doses.
Absorption occurs (often unintentionally) orally (e.g. through food) or via the respiratory tract. The toxic effect of heavy metals depends on the metal in question. In many cases of poisoning, however, the ability to form complexes with proteins and their loss of function is symptomatic. The effects of heavy metal poisoning range from cardiac arrhythmia to kidney and/or liver failure and depend on the agent. The body cannot break down these substances itself and so the therapy consists of administering chelating agents that bind the heavy metals into complexes and remove them from the body.
Occurrence of heavy metals
The occurrence of heavy metals can have various causes. Some occur in nature or have entered nature through fertilizers or industrial influences. As an example, we will take a closer look at mercury here. Other heavy metals are subject to different, specific regulations and levels.
Mercury, for example, is often found in marine animals and can therefore be ingested through food (e.g. fish, mussels). However, the amount per fish is very low, so there is no acute risk. To further protect consumers, there are maximum levels for fish and fishery products to which traders are bound. With regard to environmental protection, the UNECE Convention, also known as the Aarhus Convention, was adopted in Aarhus on June 25, 1998. This convention “establishes important rights for the participation of citizens in environmental protection.”
In the past, mercury was frequently used in textile production, giving rise to the term “hatter’s syndrome”. This describes mercury poisoning caused by the use of mercury salts in felting. Typical symptoms of this poisoning are shaky hands and pathologically increased excitability. In this context, the English expression “mad as a hatter” and various literary figures, such as the famous hatter in Alice in Wonderland, were coined.
Heavy metals at the workplace
Of course, heavy metals are also present at the workplace, for example during welding work. Lead is often released during galvanic processes. The specific occupational safety measures depend on the respective heavy metal and must always be observed and, if necessary, optimized. Information on welding can be found in our article What is welding fume?
Sources:
[1]: http://www.chemie.de/lexikon/Schwermetalle.html
[2]: https://www.bvl.bund.de/DE/01_Lebensmittel/02_UnerwuenschteStoffeOrganismen/07_Schwermetalle/lm_schwermetalle_node.html
[3]: https://www.vis.bayern.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittelsicherheit/unerwuenschte_stoffe/schwermetalle.htm
[4]: https://www.bmu.de/themen/bildung-beteiligung/umweltinformation/aarhus-konvention/
[5]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/daten/luft/luftschadstoff-emissionen-in-deutschland/schwermetall-emissionen#textpart-1
[6]: https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Schwermetallvergiftung
[7]: https://www.bmu.de/themen/bildung-beteiligung/umweltinformation/aarhus-konvention/
[8]: https://www.allum.de/krankheiten/quecksilber-vergiftung/chronische-vergiftung-mit-elementarem-quecksilber-und