Biological monitoring - 1,161 entries found

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• Biological monitoring

2003

CIS 03-1048 Ostiguy C., Malo S., Asselin P.
Synthesis of scientific knowledge on health hazards from occupational exposures to manganese
Synthèse des connaissances scientifiques sur les risques d'atteinte à la santé suite à une exposition professionnelle au manganèse [in French]
Contents of this criteria document on manganese: occurrence of manganese in the environment; occupational exposure to manganese; metabolism and distribution (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity mechanisms); biomarkers of exposure and effects; health effects (extrapolation to man of effects on animals, effects on the respiratory, reproductive and central nervous system (CNS)); current standards and recommendations. In view of the effects the CNS, ACCGIH is currently studying revising their recommended exposure limit for manganese from the current level of 0.20mg/m³ in total dust to 0.03mg/m³ in respirable dust.
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, May 2003. 40p. 209 ref. Price: CAD 6.42.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/htmfr/pdf_txt/R-339.pdf [in French]

CIS 03-1309 Truchon G., Tardif R., Droz P.O., Charest-Tardif G., Pierrehumbert G., Drolet D.
Quantification of biological variability with the help of modelling - Preparation of a guide on the strategy of biological monitoring of exposure
Quantification de la variabilité biologique à l'aide de la modélisation - Elaboration d'un guide de stratégie pour la surveillance biologique de l'exposition [in French]
Various characteristics that depend on individual persons, contaminants, tasks and work environment can result in important differences in the levels of biological indicators measured. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of some of these factors on the values of biological indicators of exposure. It involved a literature review and mathematical modelling. It was found that in the case of organic solvents, the most important factor was physical workload which gives rise to increased alveolar ventilation and increased substance absorption. Other factors include individual metabolic capacity, age, sex, state of heath and food habits.
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, May 2003. iv, 85p. Illus. 137 ref. Price: CAD 8.00.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/htmfr/pdf_txt/R-337.pdf [in French]

CIS 03-1292 Maître A., Collot-Fertey D., Anzivino L., Marques M., Hours M., Stoklov M.
Municipal waste incinerators: Air and biological monitoring of workers for exposure to particles, metals and organic compounds
In order to evaluate occupational exposure to toxic pollutants at municipal waste incinerators (MWIs), 29 male subjects working near the furnaces in two MWIs and 17 subjects not occupationally exposed to combustion-generated pollutants were studied. Individual air samples were taken throughout the shift, and urine samples were collected before and after. Stationary air samples were taken near potential sources of emission. It was found that atmospheric exposure levels to particles and metals were 10-100 times higher in MWls than at the control site. However, occupational exposure did not result in the infringement of any occupational threshold limit value. The main exposure sources were cleaning operations for particles, and residue transfer and disposal operations for metals. MWI workers were not exposed to higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than workers who are routinely in contact with vehicle exhaust. The air concentrations of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes were low and did not appear to pose any significant threat to human health.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2003, Vol.60, No.8, p.563-569. 33 ref.

CIS 03-1275 Letzel S., Göen T., Bader M., Angerer J., Kraus T.
Exposure to nitroaromatic explosives and health effects during disposal of military waste
The objective of this study was to investigate the exposure to dinitrotoluene (DNT) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) among the 82 workers of a heavy-weapon dismantling plant in Germany, 51 of whom were regularly exposed to ammunition containing TNT and DNT, 19 occasionally and 12 not at all. Air analyses yielded maximum concentrations of 20µg/m³ for 2,4-DNT and 3250µg/m³ for 2,4,6-TNT. The maximum concentrations in the urine of workers regularly exposed were 5.0µg/L for 2,4,6-TNT, 1464.0µg/L for 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene, 6693.0µg/L for 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2.1µg/L for 2,4-DNT, 95.0µg/L for 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid and 3.6µg/L for 2,6-DNT. Among the 63 persons for whom TNT, DNT or metabolite concentrations above the analytical detection limits were found in urine, there were more frequent reports of symptoms such as bitter taste, burning eyes and discoloration of the skin and hair than among persons without detectable TNT and/or DNT exposure.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2003, Vol.60, No.7, p.483-488. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 03-819 Hoet P., Haufroid V.
Biological surveillance of toxic environmental and occupational exposures
Surveillance biologique des expositions toxiques environnementales et professionnelles [in French]
In the context of occupational medicine, biological monitoring includes biological methods of exposure evaluation and the early detection of health effects. The main aim of medical supervision is to identify persons who already exhibit pre-clinical modifications resulting from excessive exposure, or who present functional or biological characteristics that may increase the risk of appearance of such effects were the exposure to be maintained. The purpose of biological exposure monitoring is to assess the potential health hazards by means of measurement of the internal dose of toxic agents to which persons are exposed. This article firstly highlights some of the major aspects relating to the reliability of analyses (quality control), the way results are expressed and their interpretation. It goes on to list the main chemicals that lend themselves to this type of surveillance.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 2003, No.138, 8p. 5 ref.

CIS 03-927 Linnainmaa M., Kiviranta H., Laitinen J., Laitinen S.
Control of workers' exposure to airborne endotoxins and formaldehyde during use of metalworking fluids
The study evaluated workers' exposure to bacteria, endotoxins and formaldehyde during the use of metalworking fluids (MWFs). Air sampling was used to estimate workers' exposure to endotoxins at workplaces near enclosed and open machines. Concentrations of triazine used as a biocide in MWF and formaldehyde in the air were measured. Recirculating local exhaust ventilation systems were also tested. The endotoxin and bacteria concentrations in MWF rapidly increased when the biocide levels decreased below 500ppm. Airborne concentrations of endotoxins were substantially lower near enclosed machines than near open ones. Concentrations of airborne formaldehyde were below the Finnish occupational exposure limit. The results showed that the triazine levels in MWF should continuously be kept high enough (>500ppm) to prevent workers' exposure to endotoxins and bacteria. Overdosing with triazine, however, should be avoided, so that the levels of airborne formaldehyde remain low.
AIHA Journal, July-Aug. 2003, Vol.64, No.4, p.496-500. Illus. 25 ref.

CIS 03-776 Flanagan M.E., Seixas N., Majar M., Camp J., Morgan M.
Silica dust exposure during selected construction activities
This study characterized quartz and respirable dust exposure by collecting personal samples during the following construction tasks: cleanup; demolition with handheld tools; concrete cutting; concrete mixing; tuck-point grinding; surface grinding; sacking and patching concrete; and concrete floor sanding. The geometric mean (GM) quartz concentration was 0.10mg/m³ for all samples, with 71% exceeding the threshold limit value. Activities with the highest exposures were surface grinding, tuck-point grinding and concrete demolition (GM of 0.63, 0.22 and 0.10, respectively). Factors important to exposure were recorded each minute, and included tool used, work area configuration, controls employed, cross draft and nearby dust. Respiratory protection was found to be inadequate for 42% of the exposures. The effectiveness of technical control measures including box fans, vacuum shrouds and wetted substrates are discussed.
AIHA Journal, May-June 2003, Vol.64, No.3, p.319-328. Illus. 30 ref.

2002

CIS 05-169 Machado Prista e Silva J.M.
Occupational exposure to lead: Use of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) for the health surveillance of exposed workers
Exposição profissional a chumbo: utilização da protoporfirina-zinco (PPZ) na vigilância de saúde de trabalhadores expostos [in Portuguese]
This thesis examines the feasibility of implementing a surveillance method for lead poisoning based on zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) among workers exposed to lead. The study involved 180 workers, of which 110 had blood lead (BL) levels over 40µg/dL. ZPP was determined by fluorimetry on samples of capillary blood; haemogrammes were also carried out. Urinary δ-aminolevulininc acid (U-ALA) was also determined in approximately 25% of the workers. A strong relationship was found between BL and ZPP, with an earlier detection threshold than that between BL and U-ALA. This study shows that fluorimetric determination of ZPP in capillary blood is a more reliable method than haemogrammes or U-ALA determinations for the medical supervision of workers exposed to lead.
Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal, 2002. 246p. Illus. 432 ref.

CIS 04-108 Sivertsen I., Sjaastad A.K., Svendsen K., Krøkje Å.
Alveolar macrophages as biomarkers of pulmonary irritation in kitchen workers
Alveolar macrophages (AM) are used as biomarkers of pulmonary irritation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a co-variation between the number of AM and exposure to cooking fumes. The study group consisted of 35 persons working in kitchens preparing hot meals, and 27 unexposed controls. The exposed group was further divided into highly- and slightly-exposed persons according to the levels of fat aerosols and aldehydes in the working atmosphere. The number of AM was counted in smears prepared from expectorate samples from each participant. Samples were taken on three different days. Highly-exposed persons had a higher number of AM in their samples than both slightly-exposed persons and unexposed persons. Highly-exposed smokers had a statistically significantly higher number of AM compared with both slightly-exposed and unexposed smokers, suggesting a synergistic effect between occupational exposure to cooking fumes and smoking.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Nov. 2002, Vol.46, No.8, p.713-717. 22 ref.

CIS 03-1773 Tsai P.J., Shieh H.Y., Lee W.J., Chen H.L., Shih T.S.
Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene as a biomarker of internal dose of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in carbon black workers
In this study, a total of 30 workers exposed to carbon black were selected, including eight wet pelletizing workers and 22 packaging workers. For all selected workers, urine samples were collected on the first day pre-shift, first day post-shift and fifth day post-shift, and their urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels (1-OHP) were determined (denoted as BM1pre, BM1post and BM5post, respectively). Personal respiratory exposures, including both inhalable particle-bound PAHs (Cipb) and gaseous PAHs (Cgas), together with dermal exposure to particle-bound PAHs (Cskin) were measured. Personal background information, including age, sex and smoking habit, was registered. Pyrene exposure was statistically significantly correlated with exposure to PAHs and carcinogenic PAHs. The resultant regression coefficients for sex, smoking habit and age were statistically insignificant. In conclusion, this study suggests BM5post could be a suitable indicator for PAH exposures of carbon black workers, on the condition that both respiratory and dermal exposures are assessed.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Mar. 2002, Vol.46, No.2, p.229-235. 24 ref.

CIS 03-1321
Health and Safety Executive
Respirable crystalline silica - Phase 1 - Variability in fibrogenic potency and exposure-response relationships for silicosis - Hazard assessment document
Based on a literature survey, this report discusses the factors that influence the fibrogenic potency (ability to cause silicosis) of crystalline silica and the dose-response relationships for the development of silicosis. The analysis presented in this report reveals that there are a number of uncertainties and information gaps relating to these issues, including potential changes in the surface chemistry of crystalline silica particles following long-term residence in the lungs, and the possible toxicological consequences of such changes. However, the evidence presented clearly shows that all forms of respirable silica dust of occupational relevance have the potential to cause silicosis. The importance of the following factors are discussed: crystalline silica type; presence or otherwise of other minerals; number, size and surface area of the particles; freshly-milled silica surfaces as opposed to aged surfaces.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2002. vi, 80p. 54 ref. Price: GBP 7.50.

CIS 03-1324
Health and Safety Executive
Acetic anhydride - Risk assessment document
Main conclusions of this risk assessment document: acetic anhydride has acute inhalation toxicity. An accidental exposure to high airborne concentrations resulted in severe lung damage, leading to death. On the basis of animal studies, acetic anhydride is classified toxic by inhalation and harmful by ingestion. Animal studies indicate that the substance is a severe skin and eye irritant, although its sensitizing potential is considered low. There are no data on carcinogenicity. Studies in vitro and in vivo indicate a low genotoxic potential. There are no indications of reproductive or developmental toxicity from animal studies.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. vi, 58p. Illus. 30 ref. Price: GBP 10.00.

CIS 03-1323
Health and Safety Executive
Vanadium and its inorganic compounds - Risk assessment document
Main conclusions of this risk assessment document: little information is available on the effects of vanadium and its compounds in humans. Animal studies indicate that toxicity tends to increase with oxidation state, the inhalation toxicity being classed toxic and harmful for pentavalent and tetravalent vanadium, respectively, based on studies on rats. A single study available on human volunteers indicated delayed bronchial effects after 8h exposures. There are reports of wheeze and dyspnoea among workers exposed to vanadium pentoxide dust and fume. Vanadium compounds do not produce gene mutations in standard in vitro tests, although there are indications of chromosome damage in in vivo somatic mammalian cells. There are no conclusive data on carcinogenicity. Animal studies indicate little or no reproductive effects.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2002. vi, 109p. 86 ref. Price: GBP 10.00.

CIS 03-780 Decker P., Cohen B., Butala J.H., Gordon T.
Exposure to wood dust and heavy metals in workers using CCA pressure-treated wood
Wood used for construction applications is often treated with chromium, copper and arsenic (CCA). This study examined the airborne concentration and particle size distribution of wood particles, chromium, copper and arsenic at outdoor and indoor construction work. At the outdoor sites, mean total dust concentration, measured using personal filter cassette samplers, was 0.57mg/m³. Indoor wood dust concentrations were significantly greater than those measured outdoors and were job category-dependent. The highest mean breathing zone dust concentration, 49mg/m³, was measured at the indoor sanding operation. Personal impactor sampling demonstrated that the mean total airborne concentration of arsenic, but not chromium or copper, was consistently above recommended occupational exposure levels at the indoor work site, and occasionally at the outdoor work sites. At the indoor sanding operation, the mean total chromium, copper, and arsenic concentrations were 345, 170 and 342µg/m³, respectively. Therefore, current standards for wood dust may not adequately protect workers from the heavy metals present in CCA pressure-treated wood.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Mar.-Apr. 2002, Vol.63, No.2, p.166-171. 24 ref.

CIS 03-779 Heikkilä P., Riala R., Hämeilä M., Nykyri E., Pfäffli P.
Occupational exposure to bitumen during road paving
The exposure of workers to total particulates, bitumen fumes, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), low-molecular-weight amines, styrene, and 1,3-butadiene was studied at 13 road paving sites where 11 different asphalt mixtures were laid. 1-hydroxypyrene was analysed in the workers' pre- and post-shift urine samples. Mean concentrations of total particulates, bitumen fumes, SVOCs, and PAHs in the breathing zone of road pavers were 0.6mg/m³, 0.29mg/m³, 5.6 mg/m³, and 5.03µg/m³, respectively. Over 90% of air impurities were in the vapour phase. Exposure to PAHs during road paving operations was more than 10-fold higher than was the exposure of a traffic controller (0.34µg/m³) caused by automobile exhausts from background traffic. Concentrations of amines, impurities from polymer-modified bitumens, styrene, and 1,3-butadiene were below detection limits. Urinary 1- hydroxypyrene concentrations were higher among road pavers than among office workers serving as referents.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Mar.-Apr. 2002, Vol.63, No.2, p.156-165. Illus. 53 ref.

CIS 03-873 Boileau P.E., Rakheja S., Boutin J.
Identification and study of products that favour reduced exposure to hand-arm vibration among operators of vibrating hand tools
Identification et étude de produits favorisant la réduction de l'exposition aux vibrations main-bras chez les opérateurs d'outils portatifs vibrants [in French]
To reduce the risks of hand-arm vibration syndrome when using vibrating portable power tools, several manufacturers offer "anti-vibrating" products whose true efficiencies remain untested. The objective of this study was to conduct an inventory of available anti-vibrating products (tools, handles, gloves) and to conduct tests for evaluating their vibration attenuation efficiency on workbenches that comply with the recommendations of various ISO standards. An analytical model representing a combination of a chipping-hammer and a hand-arm system was also developed and validated on the basis of the results obtained on the test bench.
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 3C2, Canada, Dec. 2002. iv, 156p. Illus. 37 ref. Includes a CD-ROM containing the PDF version of the document (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/htmfr/pdf_txt/R-321.pdf [in French]

CIS 03-741 Apostoli P., Sarnico M., Bavazzano P., Bartoli D.
Arsenic and porphyrins
To evaluate the possible effect of arsenic and of its compounds on the urinary excretion of porphyrin homologues, the following substances were determined in the urine of 86 art glass workers exposed to arsenic and its compounds and from 54 non-exposed controls: total porphyrins and their homologues (copro, penta, hexa, hepta, uroporphyrins) and the following arsenic species: trivalent and pentavalent arsenic, monomethyl arsonic acid, dimethyl arsinic acid and arsenobetaine. A significant increase in the excretion of penta and uroporphyrins was found for workers exposed to arsenic. The best correlation with urinary porphyrin excretion was found with trivalent arsenic. The increase of urinary excretion for some porphyrin homologues is consistent with the inhibition by arsenic of uro-decarboxylase in the haeme biosynthesis pathway. The determination of urinary porphyrin homologues could be useful to assess some early effects of arsenic exposure and to demonstrate possible individual susceptibility to the element.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2002, Vol.42, No.3, p.180-187. Illus. 26 ref.

CIS 03-302 Littorin M., Welinder H., Skarping G., Dalene M., Skerfving S.
Exposure and nasal inflammation in workers heating polyurethane
This study involved 38 workers exposed to sprayed or heated polyurethane adhesives (14 with a history of work-related nasal symptoms and 15 referents without such history), together with nine unexposed office workers. Determinations included biomarkers of exposure to methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in urine and nasal lavage fluid, and serum IgG specific for MDI and TDI. Possible nose inflammation and other symptoms were noted. It was found that exposure to sprayed and heated PUR adhesives, especially when heated by gun, was associated with the presence of biomarkers of isocyanate exposure in urine and nasal lavage fluid. Workers with a prior history of nasal symptoms had higher levels of albumin in nasal lavage fluid after work than those who had had no such history. Urinary markers as well as serum IgG-specific for MDI and TDI were associated with increased levels of inflammation and other nasal symptoms. These results indicate that degradation products of polyurethanes induce chronic rhinitis.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Sep. 2002, Vol.75, No.7, p.468-474. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 03-279 Wang V.S., Lee M.T., Chiou J.Y., Guu C.F., Wu C.C., Wu T.N., Lai J.S.
Relationship between blood lead levels and renal function in lead battery workers
The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between blood lead (PbB) levels and renal function indices of blood-urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SC) and uric acid (UA) among lead battery industry workers with exposure to lead. 229 workers of both genders from two lead battery factories were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Personal airborne and blood samples were collected on the same day. A positive correlation between PbB levels and individual renal function index of BUN, SC, and UA was found. PbB levels and renal function indices showed significant difference between male and female workers. An increment of 10µg/dL PbB produced an increase of 0.62mg/dL BUN and an increase of 0.085mg/dL UA. For all workers, there was a significant dose-response relationship between PbB and BUN and UA levels. It is suggested that blood-urea nitrogen and uric acid be considered as indicators of renal dysfunction in lead-exposed workers.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct. 2002, Vol.75, No.8, p.569-575. 40 ref.

CIS 03-215 Nagaya T., Yoshida H., Takahashi H., Kawai M.
Markers of insulin resistance in day and shift workers aged 30-59 years
To examine relationships between shift work and markers of insulin resistance (IR), a cross-sectional study was carried out, involving 2,824 day and 826 shift workers. All the subjects were male blue-collar workers aged 30-59 years. Four IR markers were checked. Data concerning the specifics of the job, work schedules and lifestyles were based on self-administered questionnaires. The prevalence of each IR marker was compared between the two worker groups, after adjusting for age, body mass index, job, drinking, smoking and exercise. It was found that the IR syndrome was associated with shift work in workers younger than 50 years. Furthermore, these relations may be underestimated due to broad definitions of shift work and healthy-worker effects.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct. 2002, Vol.75, No.8, p.562-568. 40 ref.

CIS 03-399 Pilmanis A.A., Webb J.T., Kannan N., Balldin U.
The effect of repeated altitude exposures on the incidence of decompression sickness
Repeated hypobaric exposures in a single day occurring during parachute training, hypobaric chamber training, unpressurized flight and extravehicular space activity can cause decompression sickness (DCS). To test the hypothesis that short exposures with and without ground intervals would result in a lower incidence of DCS than a single exposure of equal duration, 32 subjects were exposed to three different hypobaric exposures: a single 2h continuous exposure (condition A, control); four 30min exposures but no ground interval between the exposures (condition B); four 30min exposures and a 60min period of ground interval between exposures (condition C). All exposures were to a simulated altitude of 7500m with 100% oxygen breathing. Subjects were examined for symptoms of DCS and precordial venous gas emboli (VGE). Results indicate that repeated simulated altitude exposures to 7500m significantly reduce DCS and VGE incidence compared with a single continuous exposure of equivalent duration.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, June 2002, Vol.73, No.6, p.525-531. Illus. 28 ref.

CIS 03-195 Ibrahim K.S., Ahmed S.B.
Male endocrine dysfunction in lead smelter workers
Evidence of the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the male endocrine function is controversial. This study evaluated the primary (testicular) and secondary (hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular) effects of exposure to lead in 69 workers employed for an average of 16 years and in 40 non-exposed workers. The mean blood lead concentration was 42.92±4.89µg/dL in the exposed workers and 29.5± 5.3µg/dL in the control group. Concentrations of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were both significantly higher in exposed workers but there was no significant difference in the level of testosterone in both groups. Exposed workers showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of sexual problems (premature ejaculation, impotence, decreased libido). Periodic medical examination of workers and biological monitoring of blood lead are a necessity for the early detection of side effects or complications caused by exposure.
Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2002, Vol.8, No.1, p.31-38. 36 ref.

CIS 02-1679 Dickel H., Kuss O., Schmidt A., Diepgen T.L.
Occupational relevance of positive standard patch-test results in employed persons with an initial report of an occupational skin disease
Standard patch-test results of employed persons with an initial report of an occupational skin disease were analysed within 24 occupational groups. An evaluation was made of employed persons recorded in the Register of Occupational Skin Diseases in Northern Bavaria between 1990 and 1999, catering for those standard screening tray allergens tested over the 10-year period. Nickel sulfate was the most common sensitizer (29.5%), showing occupational relevance in only 11% of the cases. Other common sensitizers were cobalt chloride (13.5%), p-phenylenediamine free base (10.7%), potassium dichromate (9.8%), fragrance mix (5.4%) and thiuram mix (4.2%). The most occupationally relevant sensitizers were thiuram mix (71%), epoxy resin (67%) and p-phenylenediamine free base (59%). Occupational groups at risk of acquiring delayed-type sensitization were, in particular, electroplaters, tile setters, construction and cement workers, solderers and workers in the wood, leather and fur industries.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Aug. 2002, Vol.75, No.6, p.423-434. Illus. 128 ref.

CIS 02-1928 Iavicoli I., Brera C., Carelli G., Caputi R., Marinaccio A., Miraglia M.
External and internal dose in subjects occupationally exposed to ochratoxin A
Ochratoxin A (OA) is a mycotoxin that can contaminate food, drink and animal feed. Inhalation of airborne OA can represent an additional source of exposure. OA is known to exert toxic effects, particularly on the renal system, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a "possible human carcinogen" (Group 2B). In this study, the levels of serum OA were determined in workers exposed to airborne dust in coffee, cocoa bean and the spice-processing industries. Airborne OA ranged from <0.003 to 8.15ng/m³, while the levels measured in the workers' breathing zone varied from 0.006 to 0.087ng/m³. OA serum levels ranged from 0.94 to 3.28ng/mL, the latter values rather largely exceeding those of the control group (0.03 to 0.95ng/mL). These findings suggest that environmental and biological monitoring should be undertaken in workplaces where OA-contaminated products are handled or processed.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Aug. 2002, Vol.75, No.6, p.381-386. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 02-1841 Samuel O., St-Laurent L., Dumas P., Langlois E., Gingras G.
Pesticides in greenhouses - Characterization of the exposure of workers and evaluation of re-entry times
Pesticides en milieu serricole - Caractérisation de l'exposition des travailleurs et évaluation des délais de réentrée [in French]
Botanical garden workers are subject to health hazards resulting from their exposure to pesticides in confined spaces such as greenhouses. In this study, the behaviour of foliar residues was evaluated for several representative pesticides between the time of application and of the re-entry of workers in the greenhouses. Skin exposure risks were evaluated by a hand washing method as well as through the use of a fluorescent marker. Workers' total exposure was determined by measuring urinary metabolites excreted over a post-exposure period of 24 hours. Cholinesterase activity variations were measured in cases where organophosphorus insecticides were applied. Results show that workers remain exposed when returning to greenhouses the day after applying pesticides. However, the levels of exposure measured are generally low. Use of gloves would allow to further decrease the level of exposure. Several other preventive measures are proposed.
Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, Oct. 2002. [1 vol. ] Illus. 116 ref.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/htmfr/pdf_txt/R-315.pdf [in French]

CIS 02-1782 Wortley P.M., Caraballo R.S., Pederson L.L., Pechacek T.F.
Exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplace: Serum cotinine by occupation
To examine workplace exposure in the United States to second-hand smoke by occupation, data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 to 1994), a nationally representative sample of the non-institutionalized population was analysed. The analysis was restricted to 4952 employed nonsmoking adults who reported no home exposure to cigarette smoke. Occupations were assigned to 40 groups and seven categories. Among the categories, geometric mean serum cotinine (ng/mL) ranged from 0.09 for farming/forestry/fishing occupations to 0.22 for operators/fabricators/labourers (median, 0.16). The lowest values were observed among farmers and nursery workers (0.06) and the highest among waiters (0.47). Between 1988 to 1991 and 1991 to 1994, the overall geometric mean cotinine and the proportion reporting that they could smell smoke at work decreased significantly.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2002, Vol.44, No.6, p.503-509. 30 ref.

CIS 02-1831 Caux C., O'Brien C., Viau C.
Determination of firefighter exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene during fire fighting using measurement of biological indicators
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and benzene among firefighters was assessed by means of urinary measurements of 1-hydroxypyrene and trans,trans-muconic acid (TTMA), respectively. All urine samples were collected from 43 firefighters during a period extending for 20h following the end of exposure during a fire. A control sample was also obtained from each participant after at least four days without involvement in fire fighting activities. Following exposure to fire, the level of 1-hydroxypyrene exceeded 0.32µmol/mol creatinine value in 38% of the cases. 17 firefighters had measurable TTMA in the urine samples, among which only 6 had concentrations exceeding 1.1mmol/mol creatinine considered to correspond to a benzene concentration of approximately 1ppm. The low exposure evaluations could be due to either low concentrations of the contaminants during fire fighting or to the efficiency of protective equipment worn.
Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, May 2002, Vol.17, No.5. p.379-386. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 02-844 Rosenberg C., Liukkonen T., Kallas-Tarpila T., Ruonakangas A., Ranta R., Nurminen M., Welling I., Jäppinen P.
Monoterpene and wood dust exposures: Work-related symptoms among Finnish sawmill workers
This study was carried out on 22 Finnish sawmill workers who processed pine and spruce between 1997 and 1999. Exposure to monoterpenes was assessed by determining monoterpenes in air and verbenols in urine. A questionnaire was used to evaluate work-related subjective symptoms. The highest monoterpene concentration in the breathing zone, measured during processing of pine, was less than one fourth of the Finnish occupational exposure limit (OEL, 570mg/m³). Verbenol concentrations in post-shift urine samples reflected accurately the exposure to monoterpenes. The concentrations of inhalable dust were less than one-half the Finnish OEL (5mg/m³). No significant differences in dust exposure were observed among tree species processed. Work-related eye, skin and respiratory symptoms appeared to correlate with monoterpene exposure during processing of pine and with wood dust exposure during processing of spruce.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2002, Vol.41, No.1, p.38-53. Illus. 48 ref.

2001

CIS 04-174 Obiols Quinto J., Guardino Solá X.
Biological monitoring: Concept, implementation and assessment
Control biológico: concepto, práctica e interpretación [in Spanish]
This information note describes the basic aspects of biological monitoring of exposure to chemicals. Contents: legislation applicable to biological monitoring and surveillance of workers' health; concept of biological monitoring (definitions, key factors to be taken into account, toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics); implementation of biological monitoring; evaluation of the results with respect to risks faced by workers; issues concerning the results and the corresponding conclusions.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 8p. Illus. 12 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_586.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 03-1284 Rosqvist S., Johannesson G., Lindh C.H., Jönsson B.A.G.
Total plasma protein adducts of allergenic hexahydrophthalic and methylhexahydrophthalic anhydrides as biomarkers of long-term exposure
The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of total plasma protein adducts (TPPA) of 2 sensitizing low-molecular-weight allergens, hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) and methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA), as biomarkers of long-term exposure. Urine samples from occupationally exposed workers were analysed for the levels of urinary metabolites of HHPA and MHHPA, and the levels were used as the index of exposure. In addition, blood samples were obtained from the same persons, and the levels of TPPA were determined. The toxicokinetics of TPPA were also studied to determine the elimination half-time of the adducts. There was a good correlation between the levels of TPPA and the metabolite levels in the urine sampled repeatedly. The in vivo decay of TPPA gave an elimination half-time of 22 days for HHPA and 24 days for MHHPA. TPPA levels of HHPA and MHHPA are excellent biomarkers of long-term exposure to anhydrides.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2001, Vol.27, No.2, p.133-139. Illus. 26 ref.

CIS 03-1288 Lee S.S., Lee B.K., Lee G.S., Stewart W.S., Simon D., Kelsey K., Todd A.C., Schwartz B.S.
Associations of lead biomarkers and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and vitamin D receptor genotypes with hematopoietic outcomes in Korean lead workers
This study compares associations of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)-chelatable lead, tibia lead and blood lead with five haematopoietic variables (haemoglobin, haematocrit, zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), and urinary (ALAU) and plasma (ALAP) δ-aminolevulinic acid) and evaluates the effect of these relations by polymorphisms in the δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes. A cross-sectional study of 798 lead workers and 135 unexposed controls was performed. It was found that tibia lead was associated with all five haematopoietic outcomes, while blood lead and DMSA-chelatable lead were associated only with ZPP, ALAP and ALAU. A comparison of the regression coefficients, total model adjusted R² values, and delta R² values revealed that blood lead was the best predictor of ZPP, ALAP and ALAU. Only tibia lead was significantly associated with haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. No clear effect modification of the relations between the lead biomarkers and haematopoietic outcomes studied was caused by ALAD or VDR genotype.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Dec. 2001, Vol.27, No.6, p.402-411. Illus. 45 ref.

CIS 03-787 Symanski E., Sällsten G., Chan W., Barregård L.
Heterogeneity in sources of exposure variability among groups of workers exposed to inorganic mercury
Given the utility of different modelling approaches when assessing exposures, assumptions of homogeneity of variance within and between workers using both random- and mixed-effects models were investigated. In this study of four groups of workers exposed to inorganic mercury (Hg) at a chloralkali plant, there was no evidence of significant heterogeneity in the levels of variation over time or between workers for air Hg levels. For the biological monitoring data, however, the findings indicate that groups did not share common levels of variability and that it was not appropriate to pool the data and obtain single estimates of the within- and between-worker variance components. Classification of job group as a random or fixed effect had no effect on the results. Although the probability that workers' mean exposures exceeded occupational exposure limits for air, urine and blood Hg was generally low (<10%) for all groups except maintenance workers, the estimated values sometimes varied depending upon the particular model that was applied. Given the growing use of random- and mixed-effects models that combine data across occupational groups, additional studies are warranted to evaluate whether it is reasonable to assume common variances and covariances among measurements collected on workers from different groups.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Nov. 2001, Vol.45, No.8, p.677-687. 37 ref.

CIS 03-744 Groves W.A., Zellers E.T.
Analysis of solvent vapors in breath and ambient air with a surface acoustic wave sensor array
The development of a small prototype instrument for the rapid analysis of organic solvent vapours in exhaled breath and ambient air is described, and the efficiency of the instrument is evaluated. It employs an array of four polymer-coated surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. Calibrations were performed for breath and dry nitrogen samples spiked with 16 individual solvents and selected binary mixtures. In a subsequent analysis of an independent data set, all individual vapours and most binary mixture components were correctly identified and were quantified to within 25% of their actual concentrations. Limits of detection for a 0.25L sample collected over a 2.5min period were < 0.3 X TLV for 14 of the 16 vapours based on the criterion that all four sensors show a detectable response. Results demonstrate the feasibility of this technology for workplace analysis of breath and ambient air.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Nov. 2001, Vol.45, No.8, p.609-623. Illus. 54 ref.

CIS 03-809 Pośniak M., Kozieł E., Jeżewska A.
Guidance on the evaluation of chemical hazards during the processing of phenol-formaldehyde resins and on their minimization
Wytyczne do oceny narażenia na szkodliwe substancje chemiczne wydzielające się w procesie przetwórstwa żywic fenolowo- formaldehydowych i ograniczania związanego z nimi ryzyka zawodowego [in Polish]
Contents of this booklet on exposure to harmful chemicals during the processing of phenol-formaldehyde resins: general characteristics of phenol-formaldehyde resins; emissions of toxic and harmful substances during their processing; exposure and hazard evaluation.
Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2001. 50p. 31 ref.

CIS 02-1794 Imbriani M., Zadra P., Negri S., Alessio A., Maestri L., Ghittori S.
Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to sevoflurane
Monitoraggio biologico dell'esposizione professionale a sevoflurane [in Italian]
In 18 operating theatres of Italian hospitals a workplace monitoring programme was undertaken of the inhalation anaesthetic sevoflurane and the determination of its urinary metabolite hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in 145 members of the staff. Tentatively, biological limit values of 160µg/L and 488µg/L of HFIP in urine correspond to the recommended exposure limits (NIOSH) for sevoflurane of 2ppm (when it is the only anaesthetic used) and 0.5ppm (when nitrous oxide is also used), respectively. Urinary concentration of HFIP could probably be used therefore as an adequate biological exposure index for sevoflurane.
Medicina del lavoro, May-June 2001, Vol.92, No.3, p.173-180. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 02-1341 Verma Y., Rana S.V.S.
Biological monitoring of exposure to benzene in petrol pump workers and dry cleaners
Exposure to benzene was monitored in service station employees and dry cleaners in Meerut City (India) by measuring the phenol content in urine samples taken from them. The influence of three factors was determined, namely alcohol consumption, smoking and food habits (vegetarians and non-vegetarians). While smoking and food habits had little effect on phenol excretion, it was found that alcohol-consuming subjects excreted more phenol. It is concluded that alcohol can alter the susceptibility of humans to benzene toxicity by affecting its metabolism.
Industrial Health, Oct. 2001, Vol.39, No.4, p.330-333. 29 ref.

CIS 02-1221 Dalton P.
Evaluating human response to sensory irritation: Implications for setting occupational exposure limits
Animal models of sensory irritation have led to the development of useful assays for evaluating the potency of chemical irritants. However, human exposure studies are still required to model and understand the human response to sensory irritants. In recent years a series of tests have been developed for humans that can be safely conducted and that can provide excellent data on which to base occupational exposure limits. This article discusses the major issues involved in the evaluations of sensory irritation in humans. These issues include the differences between odor and irritation, irritation and slight toxicity, adaptation and habituation, as well as personal expectation about discomfort and the reported irritation. The article also describes psycho-physiological and electrophysiological methods for assessing sensory irritation. Some of the possible confounders that can influence the results of human tests involving sensory irritants are addressed.
AIHA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2001, Vol.62, No.6, p.723-729. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 02-1362 Rojas M., Drake P.L., Roberts S.M.
Assessing mercury health effects in gold workers near El Callao, Venezuela
Report on the health status of 40 gold workers in Venezuela with occupational exposure to mercury (Hg). Use of protective equipment was limited, and environmental concentrations of Hg and Hg concentrations in the hair and urine of workers were above occupational guidelines. The workers were found to be generally healthy and without symptoms of mercury poisoning. Despite substantial exposure among a number of subjects, few adverse health effects were found with a possibly connection to Hg exposure.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2001, Vol.43, No.2, p.158-165. Illus. 42 ref.

CIS 02-1320 Deschamps F.J., Guillaumot M., Raux S.
Neurological effects in workers exposed to manganese
To examine the effects on the nervous system in enamel production workers with low blood levels (approx. 200µg/m³) of and long exposure to manganese (Mn), 138 workers and 137 controls received questionnaires on symptoms, a battery of psychological tests and blood concentrations assays of the metal. Airborne Mn concentrations were determined by personal and stationary sampling. The mean duration of exposure was 19.87 years. The workers did not have significantly higher concentrations of Mn in blood than the controls and showed no significant disturbance of neurological performance.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2001, Vol.43, No.2, p.127-132. 26 ref.

CIS 02-1318 Rosqvist S., Johannesson G., Lindh C.H., Jönsson B.A.G.
Total plasma protein adducts of allergenic hexahydrophthalic and methylhexahydrophthalic anhydrides as biomarkers of long-term exposure
Urine samples from occupationally exposed workers in the capacitor manufacturing industry were analysed for hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) and methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA) metabolite levels. In blood samples from the same persons total plasma protein adduct (TPPA) levels of these two low-molecular-weight allergens were determined. Levels of TPPA correlated well with metabolite levels in urine. TPPA levels of HHPA and MHHPA appear to be suitable biomarkers of long- term exposure to anhydrides.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2001, Vol.27, No.2, p.133-139. Illus. 26 ref.

CIS 02-675 Radon K., Weber C., Iversen M., Danuser B., Pedersen S., Nowak D.
Exposure assessment and lung function in pig and poultry farmers
To describe the relation between spirometric observations, farming characteristics and variables of exposure to organic dust measured during work in animal buildings, 40 pig farmers in Denmark and 36 poultry farmers in Switzerland were chosen randomly and assessed during one working day. It was found that mean baseline spirometric results in pig farmers were higher than in poultry farmers (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) = 108.3, standard deviation (SD) = 16.7, compared to 100.2, SD=14.2). Baseline lung function results were significantly associated with ventilation of the animal houses. Furthermore, temperature was related to spirometric findings in pig farmers.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2001, Vol.58, No.6, p.405-410. 28 ref.

CIS 02-833 Kunstadter P., Prapamontol T., Sirirojn B.O., Sontirat A., Tansuhaj A., Khamboonruang C.
Pesticide exposures among Hmong farmers in Thailand
Farmers of the Hmong ethnic minority in Thailand have abandoned shifting cultivation of subsistence crops and turned to chemical-intensive cultivation of permanent field cash crops. Three Hmong communities were studied. Most study participants applied chemicals, primarily to control insects, weeds, and fungus, by backpack and machine sprays and by hand. Hmong women have less Thai language skill than men and less information concerning hazards of exposure or use of protective clothing. Most Hmong know of the health hazards, but many fail to use adequate protective clothing to prevent exposure. Screening revealed a high proportion of Hmong adults with unsafe levels of cholinesterase inhibition, an indicator of exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Exposure rates were as high among those not directly applying pesticides, suggesting that exposure also occurs by other routes.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 2001, Vol.7, No.4, p.313-325. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 02-328 Langworth S., Anundi H., Friis L., Johanson G., Lind M.L., Södermman E., Åkesson B.A.
Acute health effects common during graffiti removal
To identify possible health effects caused by cleaning agents used in graffiti removal, the exposure to organic solvents was assessed in 38 graffiti removers working 8-h shifts in the Stockholm underground system by active air sampling, biological monitoring, interviews and a questionnaire. Health effects were registered by physical examinations, portable spirometers and self-administered questionnaires. The prevalence of symptoms was compared with 49 controls working at the underground depots and 177 population controls. The 8-h time-weighted average exposures (TWA) were less than 20% of the Swedish permissible exposure limit value (PEL) for all solvents. However, the graffiti removers reported significantly higher prevalence of fatigue, headache and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. To prevent adverse health effects, workers should be informed about the health risks, use of the most hazardous chemicals should be restricted, good working practices should be used and the use of personal protective equipment should be encouraged.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2001, Vol.74, No.3, p.213-218. 17 ref.

CIS 02-309 Drake P.L., Rojas M., Reh C.M., Mueller C.A., Jenkins F.M.
Occupational exposure to airborne mercury during gold mining operations near El Callao, Venezuela
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a cross-sectional study during gold mining operations near El Callao, Venezuela to assess mercury exposures and mercury-related micro-damage to the kidneys. Mercury was used to remove gold by forming a mercury-gold amalgam. The gold was purified either by heating the amalgam in the open with a propane torch or by using a small retort. 38 workers participated in this study. Mercury exposure was monitored by sampling air from the workers' breathing zones. These air samples were used to calculate time-weighted average (TWA) mercury exposure concentrations. Results showed that 20% of the TWA airborne mercury exposure measurements were above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 50µg/m³, and 26% exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value of 25µg/m³. Recommendations were made for improving retort design, for ventilation in gold shops, for medical surveillance and for educational programs.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2001, Vol.74, No.3, p.206-212. Illus. 35 ref.

CIS 02-315 Newman L.S., Mroz M.M., Maier L.A., Daniloff E.M., Balkissoon R.
Efficacy of serial medical surveillance for chronic beryllium disease in a beryllium machining plant
There is limited information on the use of the blood beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) at regular intervals in medical surveillance. Employees of a beryllium machining plant were screened with the BeLPT biennially, and new employees were screened within 3 months of hire. Of 235 employees screened from 1995 to 1997, a total of 15 (6.4 %) had confirmed abnormal BeLPT results indicating beryllium sensitization; nine of these employees were diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease. Four of the 15 cases were diagnosed within 3 months of first exposure. When 187 of the 235 employees participated in biennial screening in 1997 to 1999, seven more had developed beryllium sensitization or chronic beryllium disease, increasing the overall rate to 9.4 % (22 of 235). The blood BeLPT should be used serially in beryllium disease surveillance to capture new or missed cases of sensitization and disease.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2001, Vol.43, No.3, p.231-237. 20 ref.

CIS 02-273 Robert A., Ducos P., Francin J.M.
Biological monitoring of employees exposed to 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-ortho-chloraniline) (MOCA)
Surveillance biologique des salariés exposés à la 4,4'-méthylène-bis-(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA) [in French]
4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-orthochloroaniline) (MOCA) falls within IARC's category 2A (probable carcinogen). An analytical procedure for determining urinary MOCA is presented, and its relevance to industrial conditions involving polyurethane resins is discussed. Results of 103 end-of-shift urine analyses of 40 workers employed in four French manufacturing companies show that the current situation remains one of concern, average and peak excretions during three consecutive working days reaching 356 and 570µg/L respectively. The highest urinary MOCA excretions were observed among operators in daily contact with crystalline MOCA (mixers) or in occasional contact (maintenance workers). The analysis of MOCA on urines acidified by addition of sulfamic acid is more reliable than the analysis of free MOCA on non-acidified urines; it is also easier than the analysis of total MOCA obtained from hydrolysed urines. A limit value of 20µg/L of MOCA in end-of-shift urines appears to be a reasonable objective, and could be the basis of a proposed French recommended limit.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2001, No.184, Note No.2155-184-01, p.57-67. Illus. 53 ref.

CIS 01-846 Heikkilä P.
Respiratory and dermal exposure to creosote
The aim of this thesis was to explore the level of occupational exposure among creosote workers, to assess the significance of skin absorption as route of exposure and of two indicators, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 1-hydroxynaphthalene (1-OHN), as biomarkers of exposure to creosote. The study indicates that percutaneous absorption is an absorption route and that 1-OHP and 1-OHN are indicators of respiratory and dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Measurements showed that over 95% of the components of airborne impurities to which creosote workers are exposed were vaporous compounds and less than 5% were particulate PAHs.
University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio, Finland, 2001. 76p.+60p. (Annex). Illus. Bibl.ref.

2000

CIS 03-292 Inoue O., Kanno E., Kakizaki M., Watanabe T., Higashikawa K., Ikeda M.
Urinary phenylmercapturic acid as a marker of occupational exposure to benzene
An automated HPLC method to measure urinary phenylmercapturic acid (PMA) was developed allowing approximately 35 PMA determinations per day. It was applied to analysis of end-of-shift urine samples from 152 workers exposed up to 210ppm benzene, 66 workers exposed to a mixture of benzene (up to 116ppm) and toluene and xylenes (up to 118ppm), and 131 non-exposed controls of both sexes. A linear regression was established between time-weighted average intensity of exposure to benzene and urinary PMA, from which it was derived that urinary PMA level is approximately 6.4mg/L after 8-hour exposure to benzene at 100ppm, and that PMA in urine accounts for approximately 0.1% of benzene absorbed. No effects of sex, age and smoking habits of individuals were detected, and the effect of co-exposure to toluene and xylenes at the levels comparable to that of benzene was essentially nil, which indicates an advantage of PMA as a benzene exposure marker over mono to tri-phenolic metabolites or trans,trans-muconic acid.
Industrial Health, Apr. 2000, Vol.38, No.2, p.195-204. Illus. 35 ref.

CIS 03-291 Sakai T.
Biomarkers of lead exposure
This article consists of a literature survey of biomarkers of lead exposure. Blood lead (Pb-B) is representative of soft tissue lead, and most widely used as measures of body burden and absorbed (internal) doses of lead. Urine lead (Pb-U) and plasma lead (Pb-P) increase exponentially with increasing Pb-B under a steady-state situation and reflect recent exposure. Lead in plasma and urine after administration of a chelating agent are useful biomarkers of internal exposure to lead, reflecting the available pool of blood and soft tissue lead. Critical effects in bone marrow arise mainly from the interaction of lead with enzymatic process responsible for haeme synthesis such as the inhibition of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and the variation in some metabolite concentrations. Activities of pyrimidine nucleotidase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase in blood are also decreased in lead exposure, and nucleotide contents in blood are altered by lead exposure. These effects of lead on humans can be useful as biomarkers.
Industrial Health, Apr. 2000, Vol.38, No.2, p.127-142. Illus. 141 ref.

CIS 03-275 Dor F., Haguenoer J.M., Zmirou D., Empereur-Bissonnet P., Jongeneelen F.J., Nedellec V., Person A., Ferguson C.C., Dab W.
Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene as a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure of workers on a contaminated site: Influence of exposure conditions
The aim of the study was to determine the exposure levels of workers to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on gasworks sites through the measurement of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene. Start-of-shift and end-of-shift urine samples were collected during five consecutive days, once in November and a second time in June. Four groups of workers were selected according to their activity. Increased exposure was only found among workers involved in the remediation of a site, with levels of 0.16 to 2.31µmol/mol creatinine, while the median level among the nonsmoker referent group was 0.02µmol/mol creatinine. Smokers had greater exposure levels than non-smokers in every group. It is concluded that this method allows the assessment of exposure of persons on contaminated soil on the condition that the exposed subjects be in direct contact with the soil.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2000, Vol.42, No.4, p.391-397. Illus. 41 ref.

CIS 02-1339 Başaran N., Ündeğer Ü.
Effects of lead on immune parameters in occupationally exposed workers
To assess the immune competence of workers occupationally exposed to lead, several subsets of peripheral lymphocytes, i.e., T, TCD4⁺, TCD8⁺, B, NK cells, serum immunoglobulin and complement protein concentrations, chemotaxis, and intracellular killing activity of neutrophils of 25 male storage battery workers were analysed and compared with those of 25 healthy males with no history of lead exposure. The results indicated that industrial exposure to lead resulting in group mean blood lead concentrations of 75±18µg/dL are associated with a significant depression of: T helper lymphocytes, IgG, IgM and C3, C4 complement levels, chemotaxis, and random migration of neutrophils. No correlation was found between the duration of exposure and the altered immune parameters. In conclusion, the immune system can be a target for lead toxicity and elimination of lead hazard in working places is necessary.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2000, Vol.38, No.3, p.349-354. 36 ref.

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