Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

Following a previous study on parathyroid hormone determinations in 200 aluminum potroom workers, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 116 (58%) of these workers for their levels of serum triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), urinary creatinine, and preshift urinary fluoride (F). The mean serum TSH measured by radioimmunoassay was 1.42±1.26 mIU/L. Serum F measured by the ion selective electrode showed a mean urinary F/creatinine ratio of 2.1±1.36 mg F/g of creatinine with 16 percent of workers having levels above 3 mg F/g of urinary creatinine. Serum TSH concentration did not appear to be related to work duration.