Tin speciation in the blood plasma of workers occupationally exposed in a cassiterite ore processing industry

ABSTRACT Mining is a high-risk activity due to its dangerous processes. Tin (Sn) obtained from cassiterite ore and mining activities expose workers the metal. Chronic exposure Sn may cause pneumoconiosis, gastrointestinal hematological effects, among others. This work aimed assess of tin in processing industry, using speciation analysis blood plasma. Twelve subjects donated samples; six were occupationally exposed Sn. Size exclusion chromatography separated proteins plasma; graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer determined total plasma eluted fractions, while SDS-PAGE molecular masses proteins. levels workers’ four times higher than reference individuals. After fractionation, metal only appeared inclusion volume, not being possible confirm binding proteins, which certainly modifies their functions impair health. Despite that, process needs change since pointed exposure. Further works are necessary clarify whether free or bound small understand true impact on