A survey on exposure level, health status, and biomarkers in workers exposed to 1-bromopropane.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health effects of exposure mainly to 1-bromopropane, which is an alternative to ozone-depleting solvents, and to establish biomarkers for assessing 1-bromopropane exposure.

METHODS:

Twenty-four female and 13 male workers of a 1-bromopropane-factory were interviewed, and their urine and blood samples were collected. Measured parameters included 1-bromopropane levels in the factory, as well as individual exposure levels, urinary 1-bromopropane levels, enzymatic activity and M subunit's concentration of serum creatine kinase (CK).

RESULTS:

Frequent symptoms reported by workers exposed to 1-bromopropane were nose, throat, and eyes irritation or malaise and/or headache. Urinary 1-bromopropane levels correlated significantly with individual exposure levels, but enzymatic activity or CK-M subunit did not.

CONCLUSIONS:

The symptoms suggested irritation of the mucous membrane and possible adverse effects on the central nervous system. There were no severe chronic symptoms suggestive of neurological damage in workers exposed to less than 170 ppm. Urinary 1-bromopropane level may be a good indicator of exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:63-75, 2004.

• Authors: Gaku Ichihara, Weihua Li, Xuncheng Ding, Simeng Peng, Xiaozhong Yu, Eiji Shibata, Tetsuya Yamada, Hailan Wang, Seiichiro Itohara, Seiichiro Kanno, Kiyoshi Sakai, Hidenori Ito, Kato Kanefusa, Yasuhiro Takeuchi
• Journal: American journal of industrial medicine (Am J Ind Med) Vol. 45 Issue 1 Pg. 63-75 (Jan 2004) ISSN: 0271-3586 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14691970 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Hydrocarbons, Brominated
• Isoenzymes
• Solvents
• Creatine Kinase
• Creatine Kinase, MM Form
• 1-bromopropane

Topics

• Adult
• Biomarkers (blood, urine)
• Chemical Industry
• China (epidemiology)
• Creatine Kinase (blood)
• Creatine Kinase, MM Form
• Environmental Monitoring
• Epidemiological Monitoring
• Female
• Health Status
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Hydrocarbons, Brominated (toxicity, urine)
• Interviews as Topic
• Isoenzymes (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Diseases (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Solvents (toxicity)
• Workforce