Biological Exposure Index Research Articles

Substantiation of the algorithm for identifying high-risk groups among the personnel of chemically hazardous facilities

Introduction. Studies of the impact of chemicals on the health of employees of chemical industry enterprises based on biomonitoring are an urgent medical and social problem. The article is devoted to the substantiation of the algorithm for examining personnel at chemically hazardous facilities to identify high-risk groups due to the effects of industrial poisons. Material and methods. The article presents an analysis of domestic and foreign scientific literature devoted to the problems of identifying high-risk groups among workers in chemical enterprises based on biomonitoring methods. Results. Identification of high-chemical risk groups among chemically hazardous facilities employees involves the following steps: assessment of the level of external chemical exposure, identification of priority pollutants, substantiation of the most informative bioenvironments and the time of analysis, determination of exposure/effect biomarkers, and clinical examination of personnel. Limitations. The proposed algorithm for identifying high-risk groups applies only to persons who are professionally in contact with hazardous chemicals. Discussion. The article presents an analysis of the scientific literature on the problem of identifying high-risk groups based on biomonitoring. Conclusion. In order to identify high-risk groups among the personnel of chemical enterprises, it is necessary to introduce the proposed algorithm and develop quantitative criteria for biomonitoring – biological maximum permissible concentrations (BEI) or biological exposure indices into the practice of toxicological and hygienic assessment of the health of workers.

Honey bees and mason bees as biological indicators of landscape pesticide loads: Different results but similar conclusions

Agricultural environments, including crop and non-crop areas, often provide important pollen and nectar resources for managed and wild bees. However, these resources may be contaminated with pesticides detrimental to bees and other non-target organisms, including humans. Differences in life-history traits among bee species influence food resource exploitation and pesticide exposure. This study assesses the potential of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and mason bees (Osmia), two bee species with highly contrasting functional traits, as biological indicators of pesticide exposure in 34 Italian agricultural farms. Pollen loads of both species were used to identify pollen species collected and to analyse multi-residue levels of pesticides. Pesticide risk indexes were calculated for honey bees, mason bees and humans. In mason bees, pesticide risk was not influenced by plant diversity. In agreement with their pollen preferences and short foraging ranges, mason bees collected a high proportion of pollen from flowers of the target crop. Conversely, pesticide risk decreased with increasing pollen diversity in honey bees. In agreement with their generalist foraging habits and long foraging ranges honey bees collected a greater diversity of pollen species and a lower proportion of target crop pollen. Although honey bees and mason bees showed similar toxic loads and pesticide composition, at a field scale pesticide risk of one species is not a good indicator of the risk to the other species. Our study confirms that bees in agricultural environments are pervasively exposed to multi-residue pesticide loads. Exposure is conditioned by specific bee traits but is also highly context-dependent.

Biomarkers: Their Vital Role in Understanding the Complexity of Marine Pollution Monitoring

The monitoring of marine pollution plays a pivotal role in our efforts to comprehend and mitigate its detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. Biomarkers, quantifiable biological indicators of exposure or effect, have emerged as indispensable tools in gauging the magnitude of pollution. This review delves into the multifaceted challenges associated with the use of biomarkers in marine pollution monitoring, including species-specific responses, sensitivity and specificity concerns, extraneous factors, species variability, an exclusive focus on single stressors, and limited knowledge. Discerning between pollution-induced impacts and natural fluctuations is made challenging by the inherent natural variability and confounding factors. Differences in sensitivity and specificity add complexity to the precision of pollution detection. Species-specific variations and the presence of multiple contaminants add layers of complexity to biomarker examination. Additionally, the lack of standardized operating procedures and insufficient information hinder the widespread adoption of biomarkers. Limited studies on specific stressors restrict our comprehensive understanding of pollution effects particularly in the Philippines. Further research, collaborative efforts, and the establishment of standardized protocols are imperative to enhance the precision and efficacy of biomarker-based monitoring in marine environments.

Biomonitoring of volatile organic compounds and organophosphorus flame retardands in commercial aircrews after „fume and smell events“

Health risks to humans after „fume and smell events“, short-term incidents on aircrafts that are accompanied by unpleasant odour or visible smoke, remain a subject of controversy. We assessed exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) and organophosphorus compounds (OPC) by biomonitoring in 375 aircrew members after self-reported “fume and smell events” and in 88 persons of the general population. A total of 20 parameters were analysed in blood and urine by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Median levels of acetone in blood and urine and 2-propanol in blood were elevated in aircrews compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Additionally, elevated peak exposures, best estimated by the 95th percentiles, were observed in aircrews for n-heptane and n-octane in blood, and acetone, 2,5-hexanedione and o-cresol in urine. Only the maximum observed levels of 2,5-hexandione in urine (768 μg/L) and toluene in blood (77 μg/L) in aircrew members were higher than the current biological exposure indices (BEI® levels) (500 and 20 μg/L, respectively) of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (US-ACGIH) for workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane and toluene, two well-accepted human neurotoxicants. Low-level exposures to n-hexane and toluene could be also observed in controls. The majority of OPC parameters in urine, including those of neurotoxic ortho-isomers of tricresylphosphate, were below the limit of quantitation in both aircrews and controls. Our comparative VOC and OPC analyses in biological samples of a large number of aircrew members and controls suggest that exposures are similar in both groups and generally low.

Glifosat – frakcja wdychalna [N-(fosfonometylo)glicyna]. Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego

Glyphosate is an odorless solid in the form of white crystalline powder. It is an active ingredient in broad-spectrum herbicides, which used at lower doses is a plant growth regulator and desiccant. In Poland since 2001 the MAC value for glyphosate is 10 mg/m3 . Over the past 25 years many new research findings have been published regarding the potential fetotoxicity and carcinogenicity of glyphosate. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reassessed the properties of glyphosate in order to presenting them to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). A new harmonized classification of glyphosate was also considered (in accordance with Regulation 1272/2008 of the Parliament and of the Council). In this context, it was necessary to verify the MAC value currently in force in Poland. The basis for calculating the MAC value was the dose of 155 mg/kg bw./day, considered as the NOAEL for systemic effects after oral exposure in mice. No basis for changing the current MAC value (10 mg/m3 ) were found. It should be considered that glyphosate has a very low vapor pressure – exposure occurs to glyphosate dust or aqueous solution only. There are no basis to establish the STEL value and the Biological Exposure Index (BEI). Glyphosate do not meet the criteria for "Skin" notation.

Biomonitoring for workplace exposure to copper and its compounds is currently not interpretable

This paper sets out to explore the requirements needed to recommend a useable and reliable biomonitoring system for occupational exposure to copper and its inorganic compounds. Whilst workplace environmental monitoring of copper is used to measure ambient air concentrations for comparison against occupational exposure limits, biological monitoring could provide complementary information about the internal dose of workers, taking into account intra-individual variability and exposure from all routes. For biomonitoring to be of reliable use for copper, a biomarker and the analytical ability to measure it with sufficient sensitivity must be identified and this is discussed in a range of matrices. In addition, there needs to be a clear understanding of the dose-response relationship of the biomarker with any health-effect (clinical or sub-clinical) or, between the level of external exposure (by any route) and the level of the copper biomarker in the biological matrix being sampled, together with a knowledge of the half-life in the body to determine accurate sampling times. For many biologically non-essential metals the requirements for reliable biomarkers can be met, however, for ‘essential’ metals such as copper that are under homeostatic control, the relationship between exposure (short- or long-term) and the level of any copper biomarker in the blood or urine is complex, which may limit the use and interpretation of measured levels. There are a number of types of biomarker guidance values currently in use which are discussed in this paper, but no values have yet been determined for copper (or its inorganic compounds) due to the complexity of its essential nature; the US The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has however indicated that it is considering the development of a biological exposure index for copper and its compounds. In light of this, we present a review of the reliability of current copper biomarkers and their potential use in the occupational context to evaluate whether there is value in carrying out human biomonitoring for copper exposure. Based on the available evidence we have concluded that the reliable use of biomonitoring of occupational exposure to copper and its application in risk assessment is not possible at the present time.

Assessment Of Occupational Exposure To Lead, Cadmium And Arsenic In A Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing And Recycling Plant In Algeria

Introduction: Plants manufacturing and recycling lead-acid batteries emit this metal and other metal and metalloid particles into the air, which can be transported and deposited on various surfaces, exposing workers and even nearby populations. Occupational metal contamination is a cause for concern because of their potential accumulation in the environment and in living organisms, leading to long-term toxic effects.The aim of this study was to assess Cd, As and Pb levels in the whole blood of 170 people working in a lead battery manufacturing and recycling plant in eastern Algeria, and in that of 50 non-occupationally exposed controls. Metal compound levels were determined using ICP-MS. Lead was the most prominent element in the workers' blood (521.24 µg/L) compared to the controls (23.08 µg/L), confirming that lead exposure is significantly higher compared to other elements. The average and median concentrations of Cd and As in the blood did not exceed the biological exposure indices for both populations. Cadmium levels were significantly higher in the blood of exposed workers compared to the controls. However, there was no significant correlation between blood lead levels and cadmium levels in exposed subjects. For arsenic, although the mean and median values ​​were within the normal range, the maximum and 95th percentile exceeded the normal value. There was also no significant correlation between lead and arsenic concentrations in the blood of workers. The results of this study highlight the alarming working conditions that the employees of this factory face.These conditions lead to significant lead exposure and potentially to other elements such as Cd and As.

The study on biological exposure index of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds

Objective: To establish biological exposure index (BEI) of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds through occupational epidemiology and the regression analysis of internal and external exposure of workers. Methods: In November 2021, 125 workers with occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds and 49 office administrators in a non-ferrous metal smelter in Yunnan Province were selected as the exposure group and control group, respectively. Air samples from the workplace of the study subjects on weekdays were collected and arsenic concentrations were determined. Urine samples were collected in end-of-work weekend and high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) was used to detect the levels of trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs(3+)) , pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs(5+)) , monomethyl arsenic (MMA) and dimethyl arsenic (DMA) in urine. The correlations between arsenic concentration in the workplace air and arsenic species in urine of workers were analyzed. Arsenic exposure concentration and the level of urinary arsenic (ΣiAs+MMA+DMA) of workers was analyzed by linear regression and the BEI of arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed based on the results of micronucleus test. Results: The median of time-weighted average concentration (C(TWA)) of arsenic in the workplace air of the exposure group was 0.0116 mg/m(3), and the over-standard rate was 71.2% (89/125) . The concentrations of iAs(3+), iAs(5+), inorganic arsenic (iAs=ΣiAs(3+)+iAs(5+)) 、MMA、DMA and urinary arsenic in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group at the end of shift, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The concentration of arsenic in the workplace air had the strongest correlation with the concentration of urinary arsenic at the end of the shift (r(s)=0.909, P<0.001) . The regression equation was lg (y) =7.662+2.968lg (x) (r=0.821, P<0.05) . According to the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of arsenic in China, the concentration of urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend was calculated to be 53.2 μg/L. Combined with the results of micronucleus test, the BEI of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed to be 50 μg/L. Conclusion: The urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend can be used as a biomarker of occupational exposure to arsenic, and its BEI is recommended to be 50 μg/L.

Identification of biological indicators for human exposure toxicology in smart cities based on public health data and deep learning.

With the acceleration of urbanization, the risk of urban population exposure to environmental pollutants is increasing. Protecting public health is the top priority in the construction of smart cities. The purpose of this study is to propose a method for identifying toxicological biological indicators of human exposure in smart cities based on public health data and deep learning to achieve accurate assessment and management of exposure risks. Initially, the study used a network of sensors within the smart city infrastructure to collect environmental monitoring data, including indicators such as air quality, water quality, and soil pollution. Using public health data, a database containing information on types and concentrations of environmental pollutants has been established. Convolutional neural network was used to recognize the pattern of environmental monitoring data, identify the relationship between different indicators, and build the correlation model between health indicators and environmental indicators. Identify biological indicators associated with environmental pollution exposure through training optimization. Experimental analysis showed that the prediction accuracy of the model reached 93.45%, which could provide decision support for the government and the health sector. In the recognition of the association pattern between respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and environmental exposure factors such as PM2.5 and SO2, the fitting degree between the model and the simulation value reached more than 0.90. The research design model can play a positive role in public health and provide new decision-making ideas for protecting public health.

Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic in a Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Plant in Algeria

Introduction: Plants manufacturing and recycling lead-acid batteries emit this metal and other metal and metalloid particles into the air, which can be transported and deposited on various surfaces, exposing workers and even nearby populations. Occupational metal contamination is a cause for concern because of their potential accumulation in the environment and in living organisms, leading to long-term toxic effects. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess Cd, As and Pb levels in the whole blood of 170 people working in a lead battery manufacturing and recycling plant in eastern Algeria, and in that of 50 non-occupationally exposed controls. Results: Metal compound levels were determined using ICP-MS. Lead was the most prominent element in the workers’ blood (521.24 µg/L) compared to the controls (23.08 µg/L), confirming that lead exposure is significantly higher compared to other elements. The average and median concentrations of Cd and As in the blood did not exceed the biological exposure indices for both populations. Cadmium levels were significantly higher in the blood of exposed workers compared to the controls. However, there was no significant correlation between blood lead levels and cadmium levels in exposed subjects. For arsenic, although the mean and median values were within the normal range, the maximum and 95th percentile exceeded the normal value. There was also no significant correlation between lead and arsenic concentrations in the blood of workers. The results of this study highlight the alarming working conditions that the employees of this factory face. Conclusion: These conditions lead to significant lead exposure and potentially to other elements such as Cd and As.

High-throughput screening of human mercury exposure based on a low-cost naked eye-recognized biosensing platform

Whole-cell biosensors could be helpful for in situ disease diagnosis. However, their use in analyzing biological samples has been hindered by unstable responses, low signal enhancement, and growth inhibition in complex media. Here, we offered a solution by building a visual whole-cell biosensor for urinary mercury determination. With deoxyviolacein as the preferred signal for the mercury biosensor for the first time, it enabled the quantitative detection of urinary mercury with a favorable linear range from 1.57 to 100 nM. The biosensor can accurately diagnose urine mercury levels exceeding the biological exposure index with 95.8% accuracy. Thus, our study provided a biosensing platform with great potential to serve as a stable, user-friendly, and high-throughput alternative for the daily monitoring or estimating of urinary mercury.

New biological monitoring method for 1-Naphthol and 2-Naphthol based on stir bar sportive dispersive micro extraction strategy using magnetic ionic liquid

Naphthalene is one of the few volatile bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and a white crystalline solid that can sublimate at room temperature. Since 2000, according to the results of animal studies on the carcinogenic effects of naphthalene, this substance has been recognized as a major problem for the environment and industrial environments. Exposure to naphthalene leads to kidney toxicity, hemolytic anemia and other health problems in the human body. The International Agency for Cancer has placed naphthalene in group 2B (probably carcinogenic to humans). 1- naphthol and 2- naphthol are biological urinary indicators of human exposure to naphthalene in work environments. For the first time in this research, the concentration of 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol in urine, which serves as an indicator of naphthalene exposure, was performed through a method known as magnetic ionic liquids-based disperse liquid–liquid microextraction (MIL-DLLME). Subsequently, the samples were analyzed using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Additionally, the factors that influence the extraction of this metabolite, such as the quantity of extracting solvent, speed of mixing, proportion of salt added, duration of mixing, and pH value, were determined using both a two-level factorial test design and a central composite design. Calibration curves were developed under optimal conditions, and the validity of the developed microextraction method was studied with different statistical methods and the analysis of real samples. A strong linear correlation between the subpeak level and the corresponding concentrations was observed in the range of 0.5–0.002 μg/ml for 1-naphthol and 2.00–0.001 µg mL-1for 2-naphthol. In addition, the detection limit and quantitative detection limit for 1-naphthol were 0.0006 µg mL−1, 0.002 µg mL−1, and 0.0003 µg mL−1, 0.001 µg mL-1for 2-naphthol respectively. The MIL-DLLME extraction method can be regarded as an environmentally friendly microextraction technique since it eliminates the need for dispersing solvents and toxic organic solvents as extractants. Results showed that the proposed technique can be applied for biological monitoring of the biomarkers of naphthalene in the exposed workers during occupational or environmental assessments.

Chromium toxicity among leather industry workers in Kolkata-A pilot Study

Introduction: Chromium (Cr) exposure is known to cause various health issues such as cancer, dermatitis, respiratory problems, etc. The recent exposure of Cr can be determined by analysis of Cr either in blood/urine/plasma, Cr (III) ions cannot permeate through cell membranes of red blood cells (RBC) because their ionic radii are bigger as compared to Cr (VI), and hence Cr in RBC is an indicator for exposure to Cr (VI) ions. The purpose of this study was to investigate chromium exposure, hygienic habits and the occurrence of dermatological problems with leather industry workers in Kolkata. Methods: A total of 68 leather industry workers with minimum work exposure of five years and aged between 18-60 years were recruited for this study. The study protocol included a questionnaire and analysis of Cr in blood and urine samples by GF-AAS. Results: All values were under the Biological Exposure Index (BEI) of 25µg /L at the end of the shift of a five-day work week recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (AcGIH). 15.2% of subjects suffered from dermatological problems at least once in the last year during work in the leather industry. Conclusion: It was found that leather industry workers were not using personal protective equipment and it must be promoted to them for occupational health and safety.

Exposures to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Mitigation in Wildland Firefighters in Two Canadian Provinces.

We aimed to characterize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the breathing zone and on the skin of wildland firefighters and to assess their contribution to urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) over repeated firefighting rotations. We asked if improved skin hygiene or discretionary use of an N95 mask would reduce absorption. In collaboration with wildfire services of two Canadian provinces, Alberta and British Columbia (BC), we recruited wildland firefighters from crews willing to be followed up over successive rotations and to be randomly assigned to normal practice, enhanced skin hygiene (ESH), or ESH plus discretionary use of an N95 mask. We collected spot urine samples at the beginning and end of up to four rotations/firefighter. On designated fire days, as close as possible to the end of rotation, we collected skin wipes from the hands, throat, and chest at the beginning and end of the fire day and, in BC, start of fire-day urine samples. Volunteers carried air monitoring pumps. Participants completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of rotations. Exposure since the start of the fire season was estimated from fire service records. Urinary 1-HP was analyzed by LC-MS-MS. Analysis of 21 PAHs on skin wipes and 27 PAHs from air sampling was done by GC-MS-MS. Statistical analysis used a linear mixed effects model. Firefighters in Alberta were recruited from five helitack crews and two unit crews, and in BC from two unit crews with 80 firefighters providing data overall. The fire season in BC was very active with five monitored fire days. In Alberta, with more crews, there were only seven fire days. Overall, log 1-HP/creatinine (ng/g) increased significantly from the start (N = 145) to end of rotation (N = 136). Only three PAHs (naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) were found on >20% of skin wipes. PAHs from 40 air monitoring pumps included 10 PAHs detected on cassette filters (particles) and 5 on sorbent tubes (vapor phase). A principal component extracted from air monitoring data represented respiratory exposure and total PAH from skin wipes summarized skin exposure. Both routes contributed to the end of rotation urinary 1-HP. The ESH intervention was not demonstrated to effect absorption. Allocation of an N95 mask was associated with lower 1-HP when modeling respiratory exposure (β = -0.62, 95% CI -1.15 to -0.10: P = 0.021). End of rotation 1-HP was related to 1-HP at the start of the next rotation (β = 0.25, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.39: P < 0.001). Exposures to PAHs during firefighting were significant, with samples exceeding the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Biological Exposure Index for 1-HP suggesting a need for control of exposure. PAH exposure accumulated during the rotation and was not fully eliminated during the break between rotations. Both respiratory and skin exposures contributed to 1-HP. While improved skin hygiene may potentially reduce dermal absorption, that was not demonstrated here. In contrast, those allocated to discretionary use of an N95 mask had reduced 1-HP excretion. Wildland firefighters in North America do not use respiratory protection, but the results of this study support more effective interventions to reduce respiratory exposure.

The research progress of metabolism and occupational biological exposure index metabolism of inorganic arsenic and its compounds

Arsenic is a common metal-like element. Drinking arsenic-containing water and occupational exposure to arsenic are the main ways exposure to arsenic for population. Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause various organs dysfunction and cancer. After entering the body, inorganic arsenic is mainly methylated into monomethyl arsenic and dimethyl arsenic in the liver. Only a small part of inorganic arsenic is metabolized in the kidneys and lungs, and finally the metabolites of arsenic are excreted in the urine. understanding the biological characteristics of arsenic absorption, metabolism, and distribution in the body and formulating biological indicators related to occupational exposure to arsenic and can provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of arsenic-related diseases. This article will review the biological monitoring indicators of occupational exposure to arsenic and the metabolic process of arsenic in the body.

Health Risk from Exposure to Benzene: Study in Oil Industry Workers

The purpose of this study was to analyze the health risks of benzene exposure, on human health, especially for workers/employees engaged in the oil industry. To assess the health effects of benzene on workers, it was obtained from health data of workers exposed to benzene in the work environment. Acute exposure (14 days), moderate exposure (15-364 days) and chronic exposure (365 days) are workplaces where benzene exposure is below the Minimum Risk Level (MRL) value of inhaled benzene exposure that is reduced by ATSDR by acute, moderate and chronic exposure, respectively, to benzene. The threshold value of physical and chemical variables in the workplace (1.59 mg/m3) is also set by the Regulation. ATSDR-reduced exposure to toluene (7.6 mg/m3) is below the MRL for chronic inhalation exposure, while acute exposure (3.8 mg/m3) is well below the MRL for chronic inhalation exposure. Symptoms of headache, weariness, and respiratory irritation can be caused by Benzene exposure that exceeds the threshold value and biological exposure index. blood-forming cells and bone marrow dysfunction as well as neurological or reproductive system disorders. After conducting a risk analysis, an overall picture of the risks will be obtained. The results of risk analysis can be qualitative or quantitative depending on the technique or method used. Risk analysis will also provide an overview of the level of risk from various potential hazards that exist.

Identification and characterization of 1-hydroxypyrene contents in urine as a marker of exposure to pah in workers of electrolysis workshops at aluminum production

Potential harmful effects produced by highly toxic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on health of workers employed at aluminum production make it necessary to identify biomarkers of exposure to the toxicants and to assess health risks. Our research goal was to identify and assess contents of 1-hydroxypytene (1-ОНРyr) as a biomarker of exposure to PAH. The chemical was identified in urine of workers from electrolysis workshops where either conventional or updated aluminum production technologies were employed. We comparatively examined contents of the marker metabolite 1-ОНРyr in urine of 142 workers with basic occupations employed at electrolysis workshops with different aluminum production technologies (the test group) and 14 people who were included in the reference group. The chemical was identified with the authors’ high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for 1-OHPyr identification in urine with the lower limit of detection being equal to 0.1 µg/l and total error not exceeding 15 %. The research results revealed high 1-ОНРyr contents in urine of workers employed at electrolysis workshops. These contents were by 2–30 times higher than the permissible value of the biological exposure index (BEI) and were associated with exposure to PAH components, an aluminum production technology applied in a given workshop and a worker’s occupation. The highest PAH burdens as per 1-ОНРyr contents in urine and associated health risks were determined for workers who handled anodes of electrolyzers and crane operators in workshops that employed a conventional technology with self-baking anodes. The lowest ones were established for electrolysis operators and anode frame operators in workshops that employed an updated technology with prebake anodes. It is noteworthy that 1-ОНРyr contents were by 2.7–4.7 times higher than permissible BEI value in urine of EOT (bridge) crane operators since these cranes were located in the upper zone of the analyzed electrolysis workshops. Our research results allow us to recommend the inclusion of biological monitoring of 1-OHPyr contents in urine of workers employed at electrolysis workshops of aluminum productions into periodical medical examinations. This is necessary for developing activities aimed at primary and secondary prevention of occupational and work-related diseases.

Идентификация и характеристика содержания метаболита полициклических ароматических углеводородов 1-гидроксипирена в моче как маркер экспозиции работников электролизных цехов алюминиевого производства

Potential harmful effects produced by highly toxic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on health of workers employed at aluminum production make it necessary to identify biomarkers of exposure to the toxicants and to assess health risks. Our research goal was to identify and assess contents of 1-hydroxypytene (1-ОНРyr) as a biomarker of exposure to PAH. The chemical was identified in urine of workers from electrolysis workshops where either conventional or updated aluminum production technologies were employed. We comparatively examined contents of the marker metabolite 1-ОНРyr in urine of 142 workers with basic occupations employed at electrolysis workshops with different aluminum production technologies (the test group) and 14 people who were included in the reference group. The chemical was identified with the authors’ high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for 1-OHPyr identification in urine with the lower limit of detection being equal to 0.1 µg/l and total error not exceeding 15 %. The research results revealed high 1-ОНРyr contents in urine of workers employed at electrolysis workshops. These contents were by 2–30 times higher than the permissible value of the biological exposure index (BEI) and were associated with exposure to PAH components, an aluminum production technology applied in a given workshop and a worker’s occupation. The highest PAH burdens as per 1-ОНРyr contents in urine and associated health risks were determined for workers who handled anodes of electrolyzers and crane operators in workshops that employed a conventional technology with self-baking anodes. The lowest ones were established for electrolysis operators and anode frame operators in workshops that employed an updated technology with prebake anodes. It is noteworthy that 1-ОНРyr contents were by 2.7–4.7 times higher than permissible BEI value in urine of EOT (bridge) crane operators since these cranes were located in the upper zone of the analyzed electrolysis workshops. Our research results allow us to recommend the inclusion of biological monitoring of 1-OHPyr contents in urine of workers employed at electrolysis workshops of aluminum productions into periodical medical examinations. This is necessary for developing activities aimed at primary and secondary prevention of occupational and work-related diseases.

Determination of Mercury with a Miniature Sensor for Point-of-care Testing.

In developing countries, subsistence gold mining entails mixing metallic mercury with crushed sediments to extract gold. In this approach, the gold-mercury amalgam is heated to evaporate mercury and obtain gold. Thus, the highly volatile mercury can be absorbed through inhalation, resulting in adverse health effects. Urinalysis can be used to detect mercury, which is excreted in urine and feces, and correlate exposure with toxic effects. The current gold standard analytical methods are based on fluorescence or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods, but are expensive, time consuming, and are not easily accessible in countries where testing is needed. In this work, we report on a miniature electrochemical sensor that can rapidly detect mercury in urine at levels well below the US Biological Exposure Index (BEI) limit of 50 ppb (μg/L). The sensor is based on a thin-film gold electrode and anodic stripping voltammetry electroanalytical approach. The sensor successfully detected mercury at trace levels in urine, with a limit of detection of ~15 ppb Hg in the linear range of 20-80 ppb. With the low-cost disposable sensors and portable instrumentation, it is well suited for point-of-care applications.

Biological Assessment of Potential Exposure to Occupational Substances in Current Semiconductor Workers with at Least 5 Years of Employment.

Background: this study aimed to conduct a biological assessment of the potential exposure to carcinogenic substances in current semiconductor workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 306 semiconductor workers. The assessed biomarkers were as follows: (benzene) urine S-phenylmercapturic, trans,trans-muconic acid, blood benzene; (trichloroethylene) urine trichloroacetic acid; (2-ethoxyethanol) 2-ethoxyacetic acid; (arsine) urine arsenic3+, arsenic5+, monomethylarsonic, dimethylarsinic acid, arsenobetaine; (shift work) 6-hydroxymelatonin; (smoking) cotinine, and (radiation). The detection rate of these materials is defined as more than the biological exposure index (BEI) or the previous reference value. Results: Some workers exposed to trans,trans-muconic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and arsenic5+ showed high BEI levels. Generally, there was no difference according to job categories, and workers were suspected to be exposed to other sources. The melatonin concentration tended to decrease when working at night, and cotinine was identified as an excellent surrogate marker for smoking. In the case of radiation exposure, there was no significant difference in the number of stable chromosome translocation in 19 semiconductor workers. Their estimated radiation exposure level was below the limit of detection (LOD) or near the LOD level. Conclusion: In this study, most carcinogens were below the BEI level, but verification through re-measurement was needed for workers who were identified to have a high BEI level. For continuous monitoring, a prospective cohort is necessary to deal with the healthy worker effect and assess additional materials.