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The relation between plasma selenium (7782492) levels and coal dust exposure was examined in coal miners. The study population consisted of 222 coal miners aged 34 to 50 years; three contrasting groups were selected based on total exposure to underground coal dust and classification of chest X-rays. Age and alcohol and tobacco consumption were taken into account. Selenium levels decreased significantly with age, current tobacco consumption, and occupational exposure. The lowest selenium plasma values were observed for those subjects with both long term and current exposure, while the highest selenium plasma levels were observed for those with slight or no history of exposure. Workers with long term exposure but not currently exposed had intermediate levels. The association between coal dust and selenium remained significant after adjustment for age and smoking. No relation was observed with alcohol consumption. Possible roles of antioxidant defense mechanisms involving the seleno dependent glutathione-peroxidase were considered. The authors conclude that coal mine dust may be a risk factor for low selenium levels; the association between reduced selenium plasma levels and respiratory outcome is uncertain.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 30(3):281-284, 1996. (22 references)
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