1
|
Fortmann C, Göen T, Wiesner S, Hegermann J, Kiblawi R, Dohna M, Ure BM, Renz DM, Petersen C, Kuebler JF. Titanium nitride coating of pectus bar increases metal contamination after minimally-invasive repair of pectus excavatum. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292616. [PMID: 37824548 PMCID: PMC10569521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies demonstrated a release of toxic metals, e.g. nickel and chromium, from stainless steel bars used for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). In the present study, we investigated the impact of titanium nitride coating on the metal release and exposure of MIRPE patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed the courses of nickel and chromium levels in blood, urine and local tissue in patients undergoing MIRPE with a titanium nitride coated pectus bar between 03/2017 and 10/2018. Sample collection was scheduled prior to MIRPE, at defined postoperative time points and at bar removal. Additionally, we evaluated irritative symptoms. Results were compared to a control group who received uncoated stainless steel bars in a previous time period (03/2015-02/2017). RESULTS 12 patients received coated pectus bars (mean age 15.7 years). The control group included 28 patients. After implantation of a titanium nitride coated bar, significant increase in systemic nickel and chromium levels after one, two and three years was noted. In an interim analysis one year after MIRPE, we observed patients with coated bars to have significantly elevated trace metal values compared to the control group. This elevation persisted throughout the observation period. Tissue metal values were also significantly increased. Irritative symptoms occurred significantly more often in study patients compared to controls (50.0% vs. 14.3%). CONCLUSIONS Coating of pectus bars with titanium nitride failed to reduce metal contamination after MIRPE. Instead, it resulted in a significant increase of trace metal levels after MIRPE, compared to patients with stainless steel bars, which may be explained by wear of the coating and inter-component mobilization processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fortmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Göen
- Social and Environmental Medicine, Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Soeren Wiesner
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Biostatistics, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Hegermann
- Hannover Medical School, Research Core Unit Electron Microscopy, Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rim Kiblawi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martha Dohna
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benno M. Ure
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Diane Miriam Renz
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claus Petersen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joachim F. Kuebler
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoopmann M, Murawski A, Schümann M, Göen T, Apel P, Vogel N, Kolossa-Gehring M, Röhl C. A revised concept for deriving reference values for internal exposures to chemical substances and its application to population-representative biomonitoring data in German children and adolescents 2014-2017 (GerES V). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 253:114236. [PMID: 37579634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
HBM reference values, in contrast to toxicologically derived values, are statistically derived values that provide information on the exposure of the population. The exceedance frequency (if applicable for individual population groups) is often a first assessment standard for the local exposure situation for municipalities. More than 25 years have passed since the German Human Biomonitoring Commission (HBMC) formulated the first recommendations for the derivation of population-based reference values (HBM reference values, RV95) for substance concentrations based on HBM studies. A fundamental revision is timely, for several reasons. There have been considerable advances in relevant statistical methods, which meant that previously time-consuming and inaccessible procedures and calculations are now widely available. Furthermore, not all steps for the derivation of HBM reference values were clearly elaborated in the first recommendations. With this revision we intended to achieve a rigorous standardization of the entire process of deriving HBM reference values, also to realise a higher degree of transparency. In accordance with established international practice, it is recommended to use the 95th percentile of the reference distribution as the HBM reference value. To this end, the empirical 95th percentile of a suitable sample should be rounded, ensuring that the rounded value is within the two-sided 95% confidence interval of the percentile. All estimates should be based on distribution-free methods, and the confidence interval should be estimated using a bootstrap approach, if possible, according to the BCa ("bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap"). A minimum sample size of 80 observations is considered necessary. The entire procedure ensures that the derived HBM reference value is robust against at least two extreme values and can also be used for underlying mixed distributions. If it is known in advance that certain subgroups (different age groups, smokers, etc.) show differing internal exposures, it is recommended that group-specific HBM reference values should be derived. Especially when the sample sizes for individual subgroups are too small, individual datasets with potential outliers can be excluded in advance to homogenize the reference value population. In the second part, new HBM reference values based on data of the German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents (GerES V, 2014-2017) were derived in accordance with the revised recommendations. The GerES V is the most recent population-representative monitoring of human exposure to pollutants in Germany on children and adolescents aged 3-17 years (N = 2294). RV95 for GerES V are reported for four subgroups (males/females and 3-11/12-17 years) for 108 different substances including phthalates and alternative plasticisers, metals, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), parabens, aprotic solvents, chlorophenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and UV filter, in total 135 biomarkers. Algorithms implemented in R were used for the statistics and the determination of the HBM reference values. To facilitate a quality control of the study data, the corresponding R source code is given, together with graphical representations of results. The HBM reference values listed in this article replace earlier RV95 values derived by the HBMC for children and adolescents from data of precedent GerES studies (e.g. published in Apel et al., 2017).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Schümann
- Formerly Hamburg Ministry of Health and Consumer Protection, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Petra Apel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Röhl
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, Christiana Albertina University Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Environmental Medicine and Toxicology, State Agency for social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Neumünster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fortmann C, Goeen T, Zinne N, Wiesner S, Ure BM, Petersen C, Kuebler JF. Nickel contamination after minimally-invasive repair of pectus excavatum persists after bar removal. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275567. [PMID: 36215223 PMCID: PMC9550087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimally-invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has been shown to be associated with high release of trace metals into patient's body. The aim of our study was to analyze the kinetics of metal contamination after MIRPE and after bar removal. METHODS We prospectively assessed nickel and chromium changes in blood, urine, and local tissue in patients undergoing MIRPE with stainless-steel bar(s). Baseline samples were taken prior to surgery, further samples were taken at six defined time points until 30 months after bar removal. Clinical symptoms were evaluated at the time of every sample collection. RESULTS 28 patients were included (mean age 16.4 years). At four weeks after MIRPE and persisting up to bar removal, we found significantly elevated trace metal levels in blood and urine. Tissue nickel and chromium levels were significantly elevated at the time of bar removal. After bar removal, the concentration of trace metal in urine and the concentration of chromium in plasma decreased gradually. In contrast, nickel levels in blood further increased. Five patients showed irritative symptoms after MIRPE, all symptomatic patients had elevated metal levels. CONCLUSIONS Following MIRPE, we found a rapid systemic increase of nickel and chromium. Our data indicate that trace metal release could cause irritative symptoms. The prolonged elevated systemic nickel levels beyond bar removal necessitate further investigations of the long-term side effects of MIRPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fortmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Goeen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Norman Zinne
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Soeren Wiesner
- Institute for Biometry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benno M. Ure
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claus Petersen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joachim F. Kuebler
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Concept for the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Substances in Population-Based Human Biomonitoring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127235. [PMID: 35742488 PMCID: PMC9223427 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Commission at the German Environment Agency holds the opinion that for environmental carcinogens for which no exposure levels can be assumed and are harmless to health, health-based guidance values corresponding to the classical definition of the HBM-I or HBM-II value cannot be established. Therefore, only reference values have been derived so far for genotoxic carcinogens from exposure data of the general population or subpopulations. The concept presented here opens up the possibility of performing health risk assessments of carcinogenic substances in human biomonitoring, and thus goes decisively beyond the purely descriptive statistical reference value concept. Using the presented method, quantitative dose descriptors of internal exposure can be derived from those of external exposure, provided that sufficient toxicokinetic information is available. Dose descriptors of internal exposure then allow the simple estimate of additional lifetime cancer risks for measured biomarker concentrations or, conversely, of equivalent concentrations for selected risks, such as those considered as tolerable for the general population. HBM data of chronic exposures to genotoxic carcinogens can thus be used to assess the additional lifetime cancer risk referring to the general population and to justify and prioritize risk management measures.
Collapse
|
5
|
Biomonitoring as an Underused Exposure Assessment Tool in Occupational Safety and Health Context-Challenges and Way Forward. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165884. [PMID: 32823696 PMCID: PMC7460384 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in analytical chemistry have allowed a greater possibility of using quantitative approaches for measuring human exposure to chemicals. One of these approaches is biomonitoring (BM), which provides unequivocal evidence that both exposure and uptake of a chemical have taken place. BM has been a longstanding practice in occupational health for several reasons. BM integrates exposure from all routes. It can help identify unintentional and unexpected exposures and assess the effectiveness of existing risk-management measures. BM also provides relevant information to support policy development by delivering better evidence of workers’ exposure to chemical substances, even within the framework of the present regulations. Thus, BM can allow for both the evaluation of the impact of regulation and identification of further needs for new or improved regulation. However, despite all these well-recognized advantages, BM is currently an underused exposure assessment tool. This paper provides an overview of the key aspects to be considered when using BM in the context of occupational health interventions. Additionally, this paper describes the potential of BM as an exposure assessment tool, distinguishing the role of BM in exposure assessment and health surveillance and clarifies ethical and communication aspects to guarantee that general data protection regulations are followed. In addition, actions and research needs are identified (particularly with reference to the European situation), which aim to encourage the increased use of BM as an exposure assessment tool.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sissoko F, Brunet D, Cointot ML, Pillière F, Maître A, Sari-Minodier I, Viau C. Élaboration des valeurs biologiques françaises en vue de la mise à disposition de valeurs biologiques d’interprétation pour la surveillance biologique des expositions professionnelles. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
7
|
Fortmann C, Göen T, Krüger M, Ure BM, Petersen C, Kübler JF. Trace metal release after minimally-invasive repair of pectus excavatum. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186323. [PMID: 29023602 PMCID: PMC5638555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have shown a high incidence of metal allergy after minimally-invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). We postulated that MIRPE is associated with a significant release of trace metal ions, possibly causing the allergic symptoms. Methods We evaluated the concentration with chromium, cobalt and nickel in blood, urine and tissue in patients prior to MIRPE and in patients who underwent an explantation of the stainless-steel bar(s) after three years. Results Our study group consisted of 20 patients (mean age 19 years) who had bar explantation and our control group included 20 patients (mean age 16 years) prior to MIRPE. At the time of bar removal we detected significantly elevated concentrations of chromium and nickel in the tissue compared to patients prior to the procedure (p<0,001). We also found a significant increase in the levels of chromium in urine and nickel in blood in patients three years post MIRPE (p<0,001). Four patients temporarily developed symptoms of metal allergy, all had elevated metal values in blood and urine at explantation. Conclusions Minimally-invasive repair of pectus excavatum can lead to a significant trace metal exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fortmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benno M. Ure
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claus Petersen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joachim F. Kübler
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hoet P, Roels HA. Significance and Usefulness of Biomarkers of Exposure to Manganese. MANGANESE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/9781782622383-00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) accomplishes functions essential to maintaining human health, but at the same time this trace element can be toxic at low levels of exposure and accurate estimation of internal exposure is needed. A biomarker of exposure to Mn is meaningful only if there is sufficient knowledge of the toxicokinetics determining its presence in a biological medium (e.g. whole blood, plasma, urine, hair, nail). Moreover, biological monitoring of exposure to Mn is useful only when the biomarker is sufficiently specific and sensitive to distinguish exposed from non-exposed subjects, when it is dose-related to the external exposure (current, recent, or time-integrated), and when it displays reasonable dose–effect/response relationships with the occurrence of adverse effects on the central nervous system, the critical target for Mn exposure. Human investigations in which biomarkers of Mn exposure meet all these criteria are hard to locate. Overall, the available studies report poor or no associations on an individual basis between external (Mn in air or drinking water) and internal (Mn in blood, urine, hair, or nail) Mn exposure indices. This may be to some extent explained by features inherent of the Mn metabolism (homeostatic control), the Mn biomarker's half-life with respect to the exposure window, and the variable nature of external exposure scenarios. Studies particularly dealing with Mn inhalation exposure, different or poorly described methodological approaches, or air sampling strategies may render direct comparison and interpretation of results a tedious task. Nevertheless, several studies report significant dose–effect associations between biomarkers of Mn exposure and subclinical deficits of psychomotor or neuropsychological test performances. Because directly associated with the site of toxic action and providing the magnetic resonance imaging is done no later than three months after Mn exposure ceased, the Mn T1 relaxation time is potentially the better biomarker of Mn exposure in a clinical context (e.g. after long-term parenteral nutrition, chronic liver failure, methcathinone drug abuse). Magnetic resonance imaging is, however, unpractical as a tool for biological monitoring of exposure to Mn in the occupational setting (inhalation) and in the general population (air, drinking water). In conclusion, it would be inappropriate to recommend, on the basis of the currently available evidence, a reliable well-validated biomarker of exposure to Mn, or to establish a health-based threshold value for subclinical neurotoxic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Hoet
- Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP) Bruxelles Belgium
| | - Harry A. Roels
- Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP) Bruxelles Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Müller M, Schmiechen K, Heselmann D, Schmidt L, Göen T. Human biological monitoring – A versatile tool in the aftermath of a CBRN incident. Toxicol Lett 2014; 231:306-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
10
|
Eckert E, Göen T. Rapid determination of four short-chain alkyl mercapturic acids in human urine by column-switching liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2014; 965:54-60. [PMID: 24997437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We developed and validated an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of methyl mercapturic acid (MeMA), ethyl mercapturic acid (EtMA), n-propyl mercapturic acid (PrMA) and iso-propyl mercapturic acid (iPrMA) in human urine. These alkyl mercapturic acids are known or presumed biomarkers of exposure to several alkylating agents including methyl bromide, dimethyl sulfate, ethyl bromide, 1-bromopropane and 2-bromopropane. The method involves a column switching arrangement for online solid phase extraction of the analytes with subsequent analytical separation and detection using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Within day and day-to-day imprecision was determined to range from 4.5 to 12.2%. The analytical method is distinguished by its wide linear working range of up to 2,500 μg/L with detection limits ranging from 2.0 μg/L (for PrMA) to 5.1 μg/L (for MeMA) that render possible the application in various biomonitoring studies regarding exposure to alkylating agents. The results of a pilot study on urine samples of 30 individuals occupationally non-exposed to alkylating agents using the new procedure confirmed the background excretion of MeMA (<5.1-35.6 μg/L) and PrMA (<2.0-95.7 μg/L).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Eckert
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schillerstrasse 25/29, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schillerstrasse 25/29, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Plasma polychlorinated biphenyls in residents of 91 PCB-contaminated and 108 non-contaminated dwellings—An exposure study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2013; 216:755-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2013.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2012] [Revised: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
12
|
Pillière F, Cointot M. Les valeurs de référence en biométrologie des expositions professionnelles. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2012.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
13
|
Göen T, Schaller KH, Drexler H. External quality assessment of human biomonitoring in the range of environmental exposure levels. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2012; 215:229-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2011.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
14
|
Göen T, Eckert E, Schäferhenrich A, Hartwig A. Allocation of reliable analytical procedures for human biomonitoring published by the DFG Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2011; 215:233-7. [PMID: 21940207 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2011.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In 1955 the Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area (MAK Commission) was founded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The Commission is responsible for analysing health risks by chemical exposure at the workplace and for advising public authorities accordingly. Within the Commission, the working group "Analyses of Hazardous Substances in Biological Materials" (AiBM) deals with the development of procedures to analyse chemical substances in biological materials. Most of these detailed, ready-to-use protocols for human biomonitoring, do not only enable the monitoring of occupational exposure, but also the determination of the background exposure in the general population. The AiBM working group applies a multi-stage process to develop and evaluate human biomonitoring methods. As a matter of special importance, every method is tested by at least one examiner to ensure reproducibility of the analytical procedure and of the reliability data. Submitted methods and examination reports are discussed within the working group. The positively proved methods, if satisfactory, are adopted for publication. Otherwise, they are given back to the author with the demand for revision. In case of fundamental drawbacks, methods are rejected. The adopted methods are published in German and in English at regular intervals. Since 1985 the working group has published 129 analytical methods (plus 11 methods for markers of susceptibility) in 12 issues of the English edition. The detection limits of eighty methods allow the analyses of background exposure for one or more parameters. About forty methods were specially designed for the application in population studies. Particularly relevant method examples are the determination of the metabolites of organophosphate pesticides, pyrethroides and phthalates in urine as well as the determination of perfluorinated compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls in serum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine of University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|