Unreported cardiac arrhythmias in aluminium worker

Abstract

Aluminium (Al) is the third most prevalent element, representing approximately 8% of total mineral components in the earth's crust (1). Chronic exposure to Al is mainly encountered at particular work places, for example, in foundries or in the Al powder industry, as an occupational exposure. In case of occupational Al exposure, inhalation is the main route of uptake. Chronic exposure to Al is associated with skeletal, neurological, hematological and lung changes. Studies regarding the Al powder industry showed that long-term inhalative exposure to Al can induce pulmonary fibrosis (2). Although there is only one report about ventricular tachycardia as a cardiac manifestation in occupationally exposed persons (3), in this report, we presented a case that had Mobitz type I second-degree atrioventricular block and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. To our knowledge, this is the first report in chronic poisoning. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.