Investigation and Analysis on Chromium Rhinopathy among Workers Exposed to Low Doses of Chromium

Objective To investigate the prevalence of chromium rhinopathy among workers in an electroplating factory where they are exposed to low doses of chromium in air, and to provide basic data for effective control of occupational chromium rhinopathy.

Methods Occupational health examinations were conducted for 90 chromium-exposed workers (exposure group) and 84 non-chromium-exposed workers (control group). Three-year air monitoring results for chromium compounds at planned sampling sites in the selected workshop were retrieved.

Results The air chromium concentrations in air of the workplace were < 0.013 mg/m³, lower than the national maximum allowable concentration (0.05 mg/m³). Statistical differences were found between the exposure group and the control group in various positive relevant signs (nasal septum mucosa erosion, nasal mucosal congestion, and nasal septum mucosa ulcer) by occupational health examination (P < 0.05) and the counts and prevalence rates of diagnosed chromium rhinopathy (17 versus 0 and 18.9% versus 0.0%, P < 0.01, respectively). The prevalence rates of chromium rhinopathy were 7.3% for the workers with < 10 years of chromium exposed service and 28.6% for those with≥10 years of chromium exposed service, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusion Long-term and low-concentration exposure to chromium compounds might still cause chromium rhinopathy in workers. Protective measures should be adopted to protect the health of workers.