Occupational exposure germanium

Occupational exposure to inorganic germanium compounds can cause slightly impaired renal function (2). However, severe nephrotoxic reactions have been described, and it has become clear that these can occur both with inorganic and organic germanium compounds (SEDA-21, 235). 

The general population takes up germanium mainly from food, and the daily intake can vary between 0.4 and 3.5 mg (Schroeder and Balassa 1967, Swennen etal. 2000). Ysart etal. (1999) reported about a daily total dietary exposure of only 0.004 mg in the UK population. Values will depend on the provenance of food and potential industrial contaminants. Inhalation is a potential hazard of occupational exposure (Rods and Buchet 2001). Dust containing up to 7 mg m has been found in the production of Ge monocrystals (Gerber, 1988). 

Roels ha and Buchet JP (2001) Determination of germanium in urine and its usefulness for biomonitoring of inhalation exposure to inorganic germanium in the occupational setting. J Environ Monit 3 67-73. 

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