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A survey on exposure level, health status, and biomarkers in workers exposed to 1‐bromopropane
Author(s) -
Ichihara Gaku,
Li Weihua,
Ding Xuncheng,
Peng Simeng,
Yu Xiaozhong,
Shibata Eiji,
Yamada Tetsuya,
Wang Hailan,
Itohara Seiichiro,
Kanno Seiichiro,
Sakai Kiyoshi,
Ito Hidenori,
Kanefusa Kato,
Takeuchi Yasuhiro
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.10320
Subject(s) - medicine , irritation , malaise , urine , urinary system , creatine kinase , physiology , immunology
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. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.