Heavy metal blood concentrations in smelters and chimney sweepers in Norway.

Key Points

• To investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to heavy metals and blood concentrations in chimney sweepers and smelters.
• Analyzed blood samples from chimney sweepers and smelter workers.
• Assessed use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
• Considered lifestyle factors that may influence heavy metal concentrations.
• No significant increase in blood heavy metal concentrations observed in workers.
• Lifestyle factors appear to play a more influential role than occupational exposure.