Calciuria intensity and bone mineral density in chemical industry employees

Aim. To determine the severity of calciuria and bone mineral density strength in a soda-producing chemical plant employees. Methods. The study included 267 workers of OJSC «Soda» (Sterlitamak, Republic of Bashkortostan), aged 18 to 60 years. The bone metabolism, bone mineral density by quantitative ultrasonography were assessed, 10-year risk of fractures due to osteoporosis was calculated. Results. Low mineral density (osteopenia) was found in 87 (32.6%) female employees of the manufacturing department. Osteoporosis with moderate risk of fractures due to osteoporosis (the probability of 8.7%) was diagnosed in 13 (4.9%) female employees aged over 50 years. The main industrial factors, negatively influencing the bone metabolism, were exposure to certain chemicals (hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, benzene, sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric acids, formaldehyde, alkali). Laboratory staff was the most frequently exposed to these chemicals. So, osteopenia was diagnosed in 14 out of 36 (38.9%) laboratory analysts, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 3 laboratory employees (8.3%) aged over 50 years, with work experience more than 10 years. Increased total alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme that indirectly reflects the activity of bone resorption) activity was found in employees with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Significant changes were observed in urine calcium levels, with the daily excretion higher than normal. The study of one of the available bone resorption markers - a calcium and creatinine molar ratio - showed increased values in 17 employees. Conclusion. Chemical compounds that employees may contact during the entire day shift may negatively influence the bone metabolism, activating bone resorption, decreasing bone mineral density and increasing the risk for fractures. Calciuria degree reflects the intensity of osteopenia and osteoporosis.