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Evaluation of exposure biomarkers in offshore workers exposed to low benzene and toluene concentrations

Hopf, Nancy ; Kirkeleit, Jorunn ; Bråtveit, Magne ; Succop, Paul ; Talaska, Glenn ; Moen, Bente

In: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2012, vol. 85, no. 3, p. 261-271

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    Titre
    • Evaluation of exposure biomarkers in offshore workers exposed to low benzene and toluene concentrations
    Auteur
    • Hopf, Nancy. Institut universitaire romand de Santé au Travail, Institut für Arbeit und Gesundheit, Institute for Work and Health (IST), Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
    • Kirkeleit, Jorunn. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, 5018, Bergen, Norway
    • Bråtveit, Magne. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, 5018, Bergen, Norway
    • Succop, Paul. Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, PO Box 670056, 45267-0056, Cincinnati, OH, USA
    • Talaska, Glenn. Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, PO Box 670056, 45267-0056, Cincinnati, OH, USA
    • Moen, Bente. Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5020, Bergen, Norway
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Anglais
    Publié dans
    • International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2012, vol. 85, no. 3, p. 261-271. Springer-Verlag
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:319889
    Summary
    Purpose: Characterize ethylbenzene and xylene air concentrations, and explore the biological exposure markers (urinary t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and unmetabolized toluene) among petroleum workers offshore. Offshore workers have increased health risks due to simultaneous exposures to several hydrocarbons present in crude oil. We discuss the pooled benzene exposure results from our previous and current studies and possible co-exposure interactions. Methods: BTEX air concentrations were measured during three consecutive 12-h work shifts among 10 tank workers, 15 process operators, and 18 controls. Biological samples were collected pre-shift on the first day of study and post-shift on the third day of the study. Results: The geometric mean exposure over the three work shifts were 0.02ppm benzene, 0.05ppm toluene, 0.03ppm ethylbenzene, and 0.06ppm xylene. Benzene in air was significantly correlated with unmetabolized benzene in blood (r=0.69, p<0.001) and urine (r=0.64, p<0.001), but not with urinary t,t-MA (r=0.27, p=0.20). Toluene in air was highly correlated with the internal dose of toluene in both blood (r=0.70, p<0.001) and urine (r=0.73, p<0.001). Co-exposures were present; however, an interaction of metabolism was not likely at these low benzene and toluene exposures. Conclusion: Urinary benzene, but not t,t-MA, was a reliable biomarker for benzene at low exposure levels. Urinary toluene was a useful biomarker for toluene exposure. Xylene and ethylbenzene air levels were low. Dermal exposure assessment needs to be performed in future studies among these workers