Our study evaluates Cr, Ni and Mn in urine as indicators of exposure to welding fumes by gas metal arc welding.
Concentrations of Cr/Ni/Mn in urine of welders are higher than unexposed subjects.
Urine levels are influenced by welding/grinding durations, age and welding experience, confinement and mechanical ventilation.
ICP-MS technique is suitable for assessing low exposures to metals in mild steel welders.
Biomonitoring protocol based on a spot-urine sample is adapted to small and medium sized enterprises.