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Jalili V, Ghiasvand A, Ebrahimzadeh H, Zendehdel R. Urinary biomonitoring of fuel ether oxygenates using a needle trap device packed with a novel molecularly imprinted polymer surface modified Zeolite Y. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1725:464949. [PMID: 38688054 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
This study introduces an innovative needle trap device (NTD) featuring a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) surface-modified Zeolite Y. The developed NTD was integrated with gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and employed for analysis of fuel ether oxygenates (methyl tert‑butyl ether, MTBE, ethyl tert‑butyl ether, ETBE, and tert‑butyl formate, TBF) in urine samples. To optimize the key experimental variables including extraction temperature, extraction time, salt concentration, and stirring speed, a central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) was employed. The optimal values for extraction in the study were found to be 51.2 °C extraction temperature, 46.2 min extraction time, 27 % salt concentration, and 620 rpm stirring speed. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curves demonstrated excellent linearity within the range of 0.1-100 μg L-1, with correlation coefficients (R2) exceeding 0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) for MTBE, ETBE, and TBF were obtained 0.06, 0.08, and 0.09 μg L-1, respectively. Moreover, the limits of quantification (LOQs) for MTBE, ETBE, and TBF were obtained 0.18, 0.24, and 0.27 μg L-1, respectively. The enrichment factor was also found to be in the range of 98-129.The NTD-GC-FID procedure demonstrated a high extraction efficiency, making it a promising tool for urinary biomonitoring of fuel ether oxygenates with improved sensitivity and selectivity compared to current methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Jalili
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health and safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghiasvand
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran; Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Homeira Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pollutants, Faculty of Chemistry and Petroleum Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvan Zendehdel
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health and safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Campo L, Boniardi L, Olgiati L, Polledri E, Mercadante R, Fustinoni S. Benzene Exposure in Workers From a Waste Oil Regeneration Plant During Ordinary Activities by Air and Biological Monitoring. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2024; 115:e2024017. [PMID: 38922839 PMCID: PMC11223561 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v115i3.15863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the regeneration of waste oil, a strategical technological process for the European Union circular economy action plan, exhausted oils are regenerated to produce high performing oil bases. Aim of this work was to assess the exposure to benzene in plant workers during ordinary activities. METHODS 59 workers, potentially exposed to benzene, and 9 administrative workers from an Italian plant were monitored for the whole work shift with personal air samplers; urinary benzene (BEN-U) and S-phenyl mercapturic acid (SPMA) were measured by mass spectrometry methods in end-shift urine samples. Different job tasks were identified among workers. RESULTS Median (minimum-maximum) airborne exposures to benzene were <0.9 (<0.9-6.3) and <0.9 (<0.9-0.9) µg/m3, BEN-U and SPMA levels were 0.094 (<0.015-3.095) µg/L and 0.15 (<0.10-9.67) µg/g crt and 0.086 (0.034-0.712) µg/L and <0.10 (<0.10-3.19) µg/g creatinine in workers and administrative workers, respectively. No differences were found among job tasks and between workers and administrative workers, while higher levels were found in smokers than in non-smokers. For all job tasks, the exposure to benzene was always below occupational limit values. CONCLUSIONS This study has investigated for the first time the exposure to benzene of workers employed in the re-refining of exhaust oil. The results showed that normal production activities in regenerating used oils do not pose a risk of exposure to benzene in workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Campo
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Boniardi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Olgiati
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Polledri
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Mercadante
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
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Jalili V, Ghiasvand A, Ebrahimzadeh H, Vahabi M, Zendehdel R. Comparative study of molecularly imprinted polymer surface modified magnetic silica aerogel, zeolite Y, and MIL-101(Cr) for dispersive solid phase extraction of fuel ether oxygenates in drinking water. Food Chem 2024; 442:138455. [PMID: 38271905 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The study was performed in two phases. First, the polymerization was carried out upon three magnetized surfaces of silica aerogel, zeolite Y, and MIL-101(Cr). Then, optimal molecularly imprinted polymer and optimal extraction conditions were determined by the central composite design-response surface method. Subsequently, the validation parameters of dispersive solid-phase extraction based optimal molecularly imprinted polymer were examined for the extraction of the fuel ether oxygenates. The optimal conditions include the type of adsorbent: Zeolite-magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer, the amount of adsorbent: 40 mg, pH: 7.7, and absorption time: 24.8 min which was selected with desirability equal to 0.996. The calibration graphs were linear between 1 and 100 μg L-1, with good correlation coefficients. The limits of detection were found to be 0.64, 0. 4, and 0.34 μg L-1 for methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether, and tert butyl formate, respectively. The method proved reliable for analyzing fuel ether oxygenates in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Jalili
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghiasvand
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
| | - Homeira Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pollutants, Faculty of Chemistry and Petroleum Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Vahabi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Rezvan Zendehdel
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Anigilaje EA, Nasir ZA, Walton C. Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) at Nigeria's petrol stations: a review of current status, challenges and future directions. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1295758. [PMID: 38590813 PMCID: PMC11000709 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1295758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Nigeria, because of increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, and auto-mobilization, petrol is the most everyday non-edible commodity, and it is the leading petroleum product traded at the proliferating Nigeria's petrol stations (NPSs). However, because of inadequate occupational health and safety (OHS) regulatory measures, working at NPSs exposes petrol station workers (PSWs) to a large amount of hazardous benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds. Methods Studies on BTEX exposures among Nigerian PSWs are scarce. Thus, constraints in quantifying the health risks of BTEX limit stakeholders' ability to design practical risk assessment and risk control strategies. This paper reviews studies on the OHS of Nigerian PSWs at the NPSs. Results Although knowledge, attitude, and practices on OHS in NPSs vary from one Nigeria's study setting to another, generally, safety practices, awareness about hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of PPE among PSWs fell below expectations. Additionally, air quality at NPSs was poor, with a high content of BTEX and levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde higher than the World Health Organization guideline limits. Discussion Currently, regulatory bodies' effectiveness and accountability in safeguarding OHS at NPSs leave much to be desired. Understanding the OHS of NPSs would inform future initiatives, policies, and regulations that would promote the health and safety of workers at NPSs. However, further studies need to be conducted to describe the vulnerability of PSWs and other Nigerians who are occupationally exposed to BTEX pollution. More importantly, controlling air pollution from hazardous air pollutants like BTEX is an essential component of OHS and integral to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 7, and 11.
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Guo M, Li M, Cui F, Ding X, Gao W, Fang X, Chen L, Wang H, Niu P, Ma J. MTBE exposure may increase the risk of insulin resistance in male gas station workers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:334-343. [PMID: 38168809 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00491k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Insulin resistance is closely related to many metabolic diseases and has become a serious public health problem worldwide. So, it is crucial to find its environmental pathogenic factors. Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a widely used unleaded gasoline additive, has been proven to affect glycolipid metabolism. However, results from population studies are lacking. For this purpose, the potential relationships between MTBE exposure and the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a useful surrogate marker of insulin resistance, were evaluated using a small-scale occupational population. In this study, 201 participants including occupational and non-occupational MTBE exposure workers were recruited from the Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital of Huaibei, and their health examination information and blood samples with informed consent were collected. The internal exposure levels were assessed by detecting blood MTBE using solid-phase-micro-extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Then the adjusted linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between MTBE exposure and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), or TyG index. Then, receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to calculate the optimal cut-off points. Multivariable and hierarchical logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of MTBE exposure on the risk of insulin resistance. Obvious correlations were observed between blood MTBE levels with TyG index (p = 0.016) and FPG (p = 0.001). Further analysis showed that using the mean of the TyG index (8.77) as a cutoff value had a good effect on reflecting the risk of insulin resistance. Multivariable logistic regression analysis also indicated that MTBE exposure was an independent risk factor for a high TyG index (OR = 1.088, p = 0.038), which indicated that MTBE exposure might be a new environmental pathogenic factor leading to insulin resistance, and MTBE exposure might increase the risk of insulin resistance by independently elevating the TyG index in male gas station workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiao Guo
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Mengdi Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Fengtao Cui
- Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital of Huaibei Mining Co., Ltd, Huaibei, Anhui Province, 235000, China
| | - Xinping Ding
- Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital of Huaibei Mining Co., Ltd, Huaibei, Anhui Province, 235000, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital of Huaibei Mining Co., Ltd, Huaibei, Anhui Province, 235000, China
| | - Xingqiang Fang
- Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital of Huaibei Mining Co., Ltd, Huaibei, Anhui Province, 235000, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hanyun Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Piye Niu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Junxiang Ma
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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Olowoyo JO, Tshoni UA, Kobyana AS, Lion GN, Mugivhisa LL, Koski L, Wärmländer SKTS, Roos PM. Blood lead concentrations in exposed forecourt attendants and taxi drivers in parts of South Africa. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 81:127348. [PMID: 38016357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leaded fuel was banned in South Africa in 2006, in order to improve human health and reduce environmental pollution. Lead (Pb) has been suggested to contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, and the role of respiratory exposure to Pb from petrol fumes should not be neglected in this context. In addition to Pb, petrol contains various harmful chemicals including other neurotoxic metals and hydrocarbons. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS Here, we investigated concentrations of Pb and other metals in blood from petrol station forecourt attendants (n = 38), taxi drivers (n = 21), and unexposed controls (n = 36). Taxi drivers and forecourt attendants were divided into three groups each, based on number of years worked. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the health status of the participants. Blood samples were collected by medical professionals and analyzed for metal concentrations by ICP-MS. RESULTS A positive correlation between number of years worked and Pb blood concentrations was found. The highest Pb concentration (60.2 µg/L) was observed in a forecourt attendant who had worked 11-20 years, and the average Pb concentration in this group (24.5 µg/L) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in forecourt attendants who had worked 2-5 years (10.4 µg/L). Some individuals had elevated concentrations of manganese, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and cobalt, yet not significantly elevated at the group level. The blood levels of arsenic appeared to be related to smoking. Mood swings, dizziness, headaches and tiredness were reported by the workers. CONCLUSION Blood Pb concentrations in petrol station forecourt attendants and taxi drivers exposed to leaded petrol are elevated and correlate to exposure time. A health monitoring program should be erected for all individuals working in these industries, and preventive measures should be implemented to eliminate metal exposure from petrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Olowoyo
- Department of Health Sciences and The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA; Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - U A Tshoni
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A S Kobyana
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - G N Lion
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - L L Mugivhisa
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - L Koski
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S K T S Wärmländer
- Chemistry Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P M Roos
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Physiology, St. Göran Hospital University Unit, 11281 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Rahimpoor R, Jalilian H, Mohammadi H, Rahmani A. Biological exposure indices of occupational exposure to benzene: A systematic review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21576. [PMID: 38027568 PMCID: PMC10660043 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to systematically review the studies concerning the biological monitoring of benzene exposure in occupational settings. A systematic literature review was conducted in Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Medline from 1985 through July 2021. We included peer-reviewed original articles that investigated the association between occupational exposure to benzene and biological monitoring. We identified 4786 unique citations, of which 64 cross-sectional, one case-control, and one cohort study met our inclusion criteria. The most studied biomarkers were urinary trans-trans muconic acid, S- phenyl mercapturic acid, and urinary benzene, respectively. We found the airborne concentration of benzene as a key indicator for choosing a suitable biomarker. We suggest considering urinary benzene at low (0.5-5.0 TLV), urinary SPMA and TTMA at medium (5.0-25 and 25-50 TLV, respectively), and urinary phenol and hydroquinone and catechol at very high concentrations (500 and 1000 TLV ≤, respectively). Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase and oral intake of sorbic acid have confounding effects on the level of U-SPMA and U-TTMA, respectively. The airborne concentration, smoking habit, oral consumption of sorbic acid, and genetic polymorphism of workers should be considered in order to choose the appropriate indicator for biological monitoring of benzene exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razzagh Rahimpoor
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Hamed Jalilian
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heidar Mohammadi
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Abdulrasoul Rahmani
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
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Wang X, Chen Z, Cheng D, Cao Y, Xie X, Zhou J, Wu Y, Li X, Yu J, Yang B. Association between urinary metabolites of volatile organic compounds and cardiovascular disease in the general population from NHANES 2011-2018. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115412. [PMID: 37714034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contain hundreds of chemicals and human exposure to VOCs is pervasive. However, most studies have considered only a single chemical or a class of similar chemicals. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the association between urinary volatile organic compound metabolites (mVOCs) and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. METHODS The data in this study were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2011-2018. Eligible patients were aged ≥20 years for whom complete data for 20 types of urinary mVOCs and CVD outcomes were available. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to elucidate the association between mVOCs and CVD. Generalized additive models were used to examine the nonlinear relationships between mVOCs and CVD. RESULTS 6814 indiviuals were included in the final analysis, of whom 508 had CVD. Higher urinary concentrations of N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)-L-cysteine (CEMA) and N-Acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-l-cysteine (CYMA) and a lower urinary concentration of 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA) were associated with CVD outcomes after the adjustment for potential confounding factors. A nonlinear relationship and a threshold effect were only observed between N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-l-cysteine (AMCC) and CVD among 20 types of mVOCs. There was a significantly positive correlation between AMCC and CVD when AMCC concentration was >2.32 g/mL. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggested a significant correlation between urinary VOC metabolites and CVD. Urinary mVOCs may indicate hazardous exposure or distinct metabolic traits in patients with CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecheng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Zijun Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Dian Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Yue Cao
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Xin Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Yizhang Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Jinbo Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China.
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, TongjiUniversity, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China.
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Hoseini M, Samaei MR, Shahesmaeili A, Martínez SS, Amiri H. Using biomonitoring as a complementary approach in BTEX exposure assessment in the general population and occupational settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:493-510. [PMID: 35751850 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hazardous organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, and p-xylene (known as BTEX) found at work and at home can cause adverse health effects of human beings throughout their lives. Biological monitoring, an exposure assessment method, considers all exposed organic and non-organic compounds. Our goal was to perform a systematic review and a statistical analysis (meta-analysis) of peer-reviewed publications to assess urinary concentrations of BTEX biomarkers in both occupationally-exposed population and the general population. Several major electronic databases, including Scopus, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Google scholar (grey literature), were searched for biomonitoring studies of BTEX. Overall, 33 studies met the eligible criteria for the systematic review and six met the full inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. For meta-analysis, we included studies in which unmetabolized BTEX compounds were measured in urine samples. Due to insufficient data, studies that measured BTEX metabolites in urine samples and unmetabolized BTEX compounds in blood samples were excluded from the meta-analysis but were analyzed in the qualitative synthesis. Most studies showed increased urinary concentrations of BTEX in exposed individuals (mainly workers) compared to unexposed individuals. The results showed that the highest total BTEX concentrations were recorded in painters and policemen. This study showed that the undoubted associations between lifestyle and environmental factors and urinary levels of BTEX or its metabolites have not yet been confirmed in current biomonitoring studies. This is attributed to the few studies reported in this research area, the lack of homogeneous information, and the disagreement in the published results of the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Samaei
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Susana Silva Martínez
- Centro de Investigación en Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Hoda Amiri
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Boniardi L, Campo L, Olgiati L, Longhi F, Scuffi C, Fustinoni S. Biological monitoring and personal exposure to traffic-related air pollutants of elementary school-age children living in a metropolitan area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159654. [PMID: 36280056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An ever-growing burden of scientific evidence links air pollution to different aspects of human health even at very low concentrations; the impact increases for those living in urban environments, especially the youngest and the elderly. This study investigated the exposure to air pollution of urban school children of Milan, Italy, by personal and biological monitoring, in the frame of the MAPS-MI project. A total of 128 primary school children (7-11 years) were involved in a two-season monitoring campaign during spring 2018 and winter 2019. Personal exposure to airborne VOCs and eBC, and biological monitoring of urinary benzene (BEN-U) and methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE-U) were performed. Time-activity patterns, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), spatial, and meteorological information were evaluated as determinants in mixed effects regression analysis. Children personal exposure was mostly quantifiable with median (5th-95th percentile) levels 1.9 (0.8-7.5) μg/m3 for eBC, and 1.1 (<0.6-3.4) and 0.8 (0.3-1.8) μg/m3 for benzene and MTBE, respectively; with values 2-3-fold higher in winter than in spring. In urine, median (5th-95th) BEN-U and MTBE-U levels were 44.9 (25.7-98.6) and 11.5 (5.0-35.5) ng/L, respectively. Mixed effect regression models explained from 72 to 93 % of the total variability for air pollutants, and from 58 to 61 % for biomarkers. Major contributors of personal exposure were season, wind speed, mobility- or traffic-related variables; biomarkers were mostly predicted by airborne exposure and ETS. Our results suggest that traffic-mitigation actions, together with parents' educational interventions on ETS and commuting mode, should be undertaken to lower children exposure to air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Boniardi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Campo
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Olgiati
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Longhi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Scuffi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
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11
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Production of Biofuel Additives Using Catalytic Bioglycerol Etherification: Kinetic Modelling and Reactive Distillation Design. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12111332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycerol is an unavoidable by-product of the biodiesel production process. The conversion of glycerol into valuable biofuel additives is essential in the fuel industry. The goal of this work is to develop a reactive distillation-based process for the production of biofuel additives by bio-glycerol etherification. In this study, a kinetic model using a lumping approach for glycerol etherification with tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) over Sn (II) phosphomolybdate (Sn1.5PMo12O40) catalyst was developed. Aspen Plus was used to validate the kinetic model by simulating the glycerol etherification with TBA in a batch reactor. The model predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data. A reactive distillation-based process to produce glycerol ethers was developed, and heat integration was conducted to reduce energy consumption. The energy requirements of the integrated process and the CO2 emissions were decreased by 17% and 14%, respectively. An economic evaluation was performed to study the profitability of the process for an annual capacity of 33,000 metric tons of glycerol ethers. It was found that the process is economically attractive, with a return on investment of 29.40% and a payback period of 2.2 years. The reactive distillation-based process is green and promising for producing biofuel additives that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
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12
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Kim HS, Jeong KS, Ahn YS, Song JH, Kim KY. Biological monitoring for exposure assessment of volatile organic compounds by Korean firefighters at the fire site. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2022; 60:475-484. [PMID: 34719580 PMCID: PMC9539324 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2021-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The VOCs and metabolites in urine for exposed VOCs were evaluated for firefighters who participated in the actual fire fighting to determine whether firefighters were exposed to hazardous chemicals, which is the basic data on cancer risk of firefighters. When the fire extinguishing time is long, the concentration of benzene, PHEMA, and toluene among VOCs and metabolites in the case of fire suppression, rescue, and fire investigation work, which is estimated that the exposure of hazardous substances generated from the fire site at the time of fire suppression was large, significantly increased. In the case where the number of urination is 2 or less, the concentration of TZCA, toluene, and benzene among VOCs and metabolites was significantly increased compared to the number of urinating more than 2 times. In the concentration of VOCs and metabolites in urine corrected with creatinine, the concentrations of toluene and PHEMA in urine were significantly higher. The concentration of PHEMA in urine was higher in the group who participated in the fire suppression for more than 11 hours (long time) than the group who participated in the fire suppression for a short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Soo Kim
- Industrial Health and Work Environment Research Institute, Korean Industrial Health Association, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Sook Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hun Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Youn Kim
- Department of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Republic of Korea
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13
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Liu R, Ma S, Chen D, Li G, Yu Y, Fan R, An T. Human exposure to BTEX emitted from a typical e-waste recycling industrial park: External and internal exposure levels, sources, and probabilistic risk implications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129343. [PMID: 35716574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) can be released during extensive activities associated with the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste), which might pose deleterious health effects on workers. In this study, pollution profiles of BTEX in air and their urinary excretive profiles in occupational workers were investigated in a typical e-waste recycling industrial park. The results showed that the workers in the park were generally exposed to high levels of BTEX. The median levels of urinary metabolites were approximately 6-orders of magnitude higher than those of unmetabolized BTEX, indicating that pollutants efficiently metabolize at those occupational levels. The analytes presented differential profiles in external and internal exposure. Among the metabolites, significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between N-acetyl-S-benzyl-L-cysteine (S-BMA) concentration and atmospheric individual BTEX derived from the e-waste recycling area, suggesting that S-BMA is a potential marker for BTEX exposure to e-waste occupational workers. Notably, 95.2 % of all the workers showed a cumulative carcinogenic risk induced by BTEX exposure via inhalation, with 99.9 % of the carcinogenic risk distribution based on concentration of benzene metabolite (N-acetyl-S-(phenyl)-L-cysteine) exceeding 1.0E-6. This study holds potential in providing valuable inferences for the development of remediation strategies focusing on BTEX exposure reduction to protect workers' health at e-waste recycling industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shengtao Ma
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daijin Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yingxin Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruifang Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Drug and Food Biological Resources Processing and Comprehensive Utilization, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, 510631, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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14
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Bus JS, Gollapudi BB, Hard GC. Methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE): integration of rat and mouse carcinogenicity data with mode of action and human and rodent bioassay dosimetry and toxicokinetics indicates MTBE is not a plausible human carcinogen. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2022; 25:135-161. [PMID: 35291916 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2022.2041516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a fuel oxygenate used in non-United States geographies. Multiple health reviews conclude that MTBE is not a human-relevant carcinogen, and this review provides updated mode of action (MOA), exposure, dosimetry and risk perspectives supporting those conclusions. MTBE is non-genotoxic and has large margins of exposure between blood concentrations at the overall rat 400 ppm inhalation NOAEL and blood concentrations in typical workplace or general population exposures. Non-cancer and threshold cancer hazard quotients range from a high of 0.046 for fuel-pump gasoline station attendants and are 100-1,000-fold lower for general population exposures. Cancer risks conservatively assuming genotoxicity for these same scenarios are all less than 1 × 10-6. The onset of MTBE nonlinear toxicokinetics (TK) in rats at inhalation exposures less than 3,000 ppm, a dose that is also not practically achievable in fuel-use scenarios, indicates that high-dose specific male rat kidney and testes (3,000 and 8,000 ppm) and female mouse liver tumors (8000 ppm) are not quantitatively relevant to humans. Mode of action analyses also indicate MTBE male rat kidney tumors, and lesser so female mouse liver tumors, are not qualitatively relevant to humans. Thus, an integrated analysis of the toxicology, exposure/dosimetry, TK, and MOA data indicates that MTBE presents minimal human cancer and non-cancer risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Bus
- Toxicology and Mechanistic Biology, Exponent Inc, Apex, NC, USA
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15
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Arfaeinia H, Masjedi MR, Jafari AJ, Ahmadi E. Urinary level of heavy metals in people working in smoking cafés. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112110. [PMID: 34614394 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Previous researches have reported significant levels of heavy metals in indoor air of smoking cafés. The current research aimed to evaluate the potential exposure of smoking cafés workers to heavy metals through quantifying amounts of these pollutants in urine samples. To this end, 35 waterpipe/cigarette cafés workers were selected as the exposed population, 35 employees from non-smoking cafe' as the control group 1 (CG1) and 25 cases of the normal citizens as the control group 2 (CG2); and their urine samples were taken. Samples were then prepared by acid digestion approach and measured by the ICP in order to determine amount of heavy metals in them. The findings of the current work show the significant difference among urinary levels of metals in the exposed and both CG1 and CG2 (P value < 0.05). Furthermore, urinary metal levels in samples collected from smoking café workers after the exposure were considerably higher than those were collected before the exposure (P-value <0.05). According to the findings, "tobacco type" could be considered as a leading factor for heavy metal exposure in studied smokers. Additionally, a positive and significant association was found between urinary metals and urinary levels of 8-OHdG (a markers of DNA degradation through oxidative stress). Therefore, workers in waterpipe/cigarette café can be classified as high risk people in terms of DNA oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Arfaeinia
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
| | - Mohmmad Reza Masjedi
- Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, Tobacco Control Research Center (TCRC), Iranian Anti-Tobacco Association, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Jonidi Jafari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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16
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Kohn E, Barchel D, Golik A, Lougassi M, Wainstock T, Berkovitch M, Schwartsburd F. Analysis of 10 Urinary BTEX Metabolites by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2021; 36:e5302. [PMID: 34935165 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are a group of volatile organic compounds that are ubiquitous in the environment due to the numerous anthropogenic sources. Exposure to BTEX pose a health risk by increasing probability for damage to multiple organs, neurocognitive impairment and birth defects. Urinary BTEX metabolites are useful biomarkers for evaluation of BTEX exposure, because of easiness of sampling and their longer physiological half-lives compared with parent compounds. A method that utilizes liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for simultaneously monitoring ten urinary BTEX metabolites. During the sample preparation an aliquot of urine was diluted by the equal volume of 1% formic acid, internal standards solution was added, then the sample was centrifuged and analyzed. The analytes were separated on the Kinetex-F5 column by applying a linear gradient, consisting of 0.1 % formic acid and methanol. The method was validated according to the FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance for Industry. The mean method's accuracies of the spiked matrix were 81-122%; the interday precision ranged from 4% to 20%; limits of quantitation were 0.5-2 μg/L. The method was used for evaluation of baseline levels of urinary BTEX metabolites in 87 firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkana Kohn
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Dana Barchel
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ahuva Golik
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Tamar Wainstock
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Matitiahu Berkovitch
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Frieda Schwartsburd
- National Residue Control Laboratory, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Beit Dagan, Israel
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17
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Antonucci A, Protano C, Astolfi ML, Mattei V, Santilli F, Martellucci S, Vitali M. Exposure Profile to Traffic Related Pollution in Pediatric Age: A Biomonitoring Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910118. [PMID: 34639421 PMCID: PMC8508276 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to trace an exposure profile to traffic-derived pollution during pediatric age. For this purpose, two biomonitoring campaigns for the determination of urinary (u-) methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME), and diisopropyl ether (DIPE) were carried out in two different periods of the year (summer 2017 and winter 2018), among a large sample of healthy children (n = 736; 5–11 years old) living in rural and urban areas in central Italy. The quantification of u-MTBE, u-ETBE, u-TAME, and u-DIPE was performed by HS-SPME-GC/MS technique and information on participants was collected by a questionnaire. u-DIPE concentrations resulted always under the LOQ. u-TAME mean levels were similar in both seasons (18.7 ng L−1 in summer vs. 18.9 ng L−1 in winter), while u-MTBE and u-ETBE levels were, respectively, 69.9 and 423.5 ng L−1 (summer) and 53.3 and 66.2 ng L−1 (winter). Main predictors of urinary excretion resulted the time spent in motor vehicles, being male and younger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Antonucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (V.M.); (F.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Santilli
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (V.M.); (F.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Martellucci
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (V.M.); (F.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (M.V.)
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18
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A comprehensive review on microextraction techniques for sampling and analysis of fuel ether oxygenates in different matrices. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Epigenetic Effects of Benzene in Hematologic Neoplasms: The Altered Gene Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102392. [PMID: 34069279 PMCID: PMC8156840 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Benzene is produced by diverse petroleum transformation processes and it is widely employed in industry despite its oncogenic effects. In fact, occupational exposure to benzene may cause hematopoietic malignancy. The leukemogenic action of benzene is particularly complex. Possible processes of onset of hematological malignancies have been recognized as a genotoxic action and the provocation of immunosuppression. However, benzene can induce modifications that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence, the so-called epigenetics changes. Acquired epigenetic modification may also induce leukemogenesis, as benzene may alter nuclear receptors, and cause changes at the protein level, thereby modifying the function of regulatory proteins, including oncoproteins and tumor suppressor proteins. Abstract Benzene carcinogenic ability has been reported, and chronic exposure to benzene can be one of the risk elements for solid cancers and hematological neoplasms. Benzene is acknowledged as a myelotoxin, and it is able to augment the risk for the onset of acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anemia, and lymphomas. Possible mechanisms of benzene initiation of hematological tumors have been identified, as a genotoxic effect, an action on oxidative stress and inflammation and the provocation of immunosuppression. However, it is becoming evident that genetic alterations and the other causes are insufficient to fully justify several phenomena that influence the onset of hematologic malignancies. Acquired epigenetic alterations may participate with benzene leukemogenesis, as benzene may affect nuclear receptors, and provoke post-translational alterations at the protein level, thereby touching the function of regulatory proteins, comprising oncoproteins and tumor suppressor proteins. DNA hypomethylation correlates with stimulation of oncogenes, while the hypermethylation of CpG islands in promoter regions of specific tumor suppressor genes inhibits their transcription and stimulates the onset of tumors. The discovery of the systems of epigenetic induction of benzene-caused hematological tumors has allowed the possibility to operate with pharmacological interventions able of stopping or overturning the negative effects of benzene.
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20
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Soltanpour Z, Mohammadian Y, Fakhri Y. The concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in ambient air of the gas stations in Iran: A systematic review and probabilistic health risk assessment. Toxicol Ind Health 2021; 37:134-141. [PMID: 33506745 DOI: 10.1177/0748233720981218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) has been reported in gas stations. Exposure to BTEX can result in adverse health outcomes in workers such as cancer and neurological effects. The health risk assessments of exposure to BTEX could be useful in choosing suitable control measures. In this review, data from previous studies of gas station environments in Iran were collected from years 2000 to 2020. The health risk assessments were conducted through the estimation of cancer and noncancer risks using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the US Environmental Protection Agency method. The results showed that exposure to BTEX in some cities of Iran was greater than the occupational exposure limits. The results of cancer risk assessments demonstrated that cancer risk was not increased. However, results of noncancer risk assessments demonstrated that neurological toxicity from exposure to BTEX was significant in different cities of Iran. The health risk assessments indicated that workers at gas station are at health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Soltanpour
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, 48432Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Mohammadian
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, 48432Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, 14656Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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21
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Qafisheh N, Mohamed OH, Elhassan A, Ibrahim A, Hamdan M. Effects of the occupational exposure on health status among petroleum station workers, Khartoum State, Sudan. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:171-176. [PMID: 33489776 PMCID: PMC7808934 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mean blood lead level for exposed group of non-smokers was 0.58 mg/l. Mean blood lead level for exposed group of smokers was 1.49 mg/l. Mean value of lead in urine of smokers were 1.59 mg/L & 1.16 mg/L in both groups.
Objective The hazards of petroleum station activities are greatly emphasized due to their negative impact on workers’ health and safety concerns. This study aims to assess the effect of occupational exposure among the workers in various petroleum station at the Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods An analytical and experimental study design is followed where 60 participants were selected through purposive sampling technique. The participants were recruited from the petroleum workstation and were considered as the lead exposed group whereas the participants who lived faraway from the petroleum station and had no exposure to lead were considered as un-exposed group. To avoid the effects of smoking on lead concentration we further divided these groups into smokers and non-smokers. IBM, SPSS was used for the statistical analysis of the collected data. Results The results show that there is no significant difference in white blood cells (WBCs) count between exposed and unexposed lead group. We also did not find significant difference in Red blood cells (RBCs) count. Participant from both groups had normal range of haemoglobin (Hb). However, haematocrit (Hct) levels were elevated in both of these groups. We also tested the platelet count in these groups and found that platelet count was slightly lower in lead exposed group as compared to the unexposed group but average count was found within the normal range. Finally, the lead concentration in serum and urine was detected of the participants. Results reveal that the serum lead concentration of non-smokers (0.58 mg/l) in the exposed group was higher than in non-smokers of unexposed group (0.49 mg/l). The lead concentration in serum of smokers in exposed group was also high (1.49 mg/l) than the lead concentration detected in serum of smokers in unexposed group (1.14 mg/l). Urine lead levels of exposed group was also high than the unexposed group in smokers and non-smokers. Mean value of lead in urine among non-smokers of the exposed and unexposed group were 0.76 mg/L and 0.19 mg/L respectively. In the case of smokers, 1.59 mg/L and 1.16 mg/L were the mean value of lead in urine for both exposed and unexposed groups respectively. Conclusion From the given results it can be concluded that health safety measures for workers must be implemented to maintain good health status of workers at petroleum stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Qafisheh
- Department of Environmental Health & Safety, Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | - Abdalla Ibrahim
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Gezira, Sudan
| | - Mariam Hamdan
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Gezira, Sudan
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22
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Kim U, Karthikraj R. Solid‐phase microextraction for the human biomonitoring of environmental chemicals: Current applications and future perspectives. J Sep Sci 2020; 44:247-273. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Un‐Jung Kim
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
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23
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Moridzadeh M, Dehghani S, Rafiee A, Hassanvand MS, Dehghani M, Hoseini M. Assessing BTEX exposure among workers of the second largest natural gas reserve in the world: a biomonitoring approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:44519-44527. [PMID: 32770338 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urinary benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) can be used as a reliable biomarker of exposure to these pollutants. This cross-sectional study aimed to employ biomonitoring to assess BTEX exposure among South Pars Gas Field (SPGF) workers in Assaluyeh, Iran. Forty employees who were working on the site were recruited as the case group. Besides, 31 administrative employees were recruited as the control group. Pre-shift and post-shift spot urine samples were collected from the subjects in the case group, while the subjects in the control group provided mid-morning urine samples. Overall, 111 urine samples, including 80 samples from the case group and 31 samples from the controls, were collected. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to determine the urinary levels of BTEX compounds. The median urinary levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene in the post-shift samples of the exposed group were 1.24, 2.28, 0.5, 1.32, and 1.5 μg/l, respectively. Significant differences were observed in urinary BTEX levels among smokers and non-smokers in both studied groups (p < 0.05). Accordingly, the median urinary BTEX concentrations in smokers were 2 to 6.5 times higher than the corresponding values in non-smoker subjects. Smoking status was the only predictor of the urinary BTEX concentration. Our findings revealed that refinery workers are exposed to significant levels of BTEX compounds. Considering the health risks associated with BTEX exposure for refinery workers, implementation of suitable control strategies, such as using appropriate personal protective equipment and improving on-site ventilation systems, are recommended reducing their exposure to BTEX via the inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moridzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Dehghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ata Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Dehghani
- Department of Environmental Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Department of Environmental Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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A clandestine culprit with critical consequences: Benzene and acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Rev 2020; 47:100736. [PMID: 32771228 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
While most clinicians recognize adult therapy-related leukemias following cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation, environmental regulatory agencies evaluate exposure to "safe levels" of leukemogenic compounds. Benzene represents the most notorious leukemogenic chemical. Used in the production of ubiquitous items such as plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, and pesticides, benzene may be responsible for the higher risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among automobile, janitorial, construction, and agricultural workers. It is possible that ambient benzene may contribute to many cases of "de novo" AML not arising out of germline predispositions. In this appraisal of the available literature, we evaluate and discuss the association between chronic, low-dose and ambient exposure to environmental benzene and the development of adult AML.
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Kawai T, Sakurai H, Ikeda M. Biological monitoring of occupational ethylbenzene exposure by means of urinalysis for un-metabolized ethylbenzene. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2019; 57:525-529. [PMID: 30531095 PMCID: PMC6685802 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine quantitative relation between ethylbenzene (EB) in air (EB-A) and un-metabolized EB in urine (EB-U) for biological monitoring of occupational EB exposure by urinalysis for EB. In total, 49 men in furniture production factories participated in the study. Time-weighted average EB-A was monitored by diffusive sampling. Urinalysis for EB was conducted by head-space gas-chromatography with end-of-shift samples. Data were subjected to regression analysis for statistical evaluation. A geometric mean (GM) and the maximum (Max) EB-A levels were 2.1 and 45.5 ppm, respectively. A GM and the Max for EB-U (observed values) were 4.6 and 38.7 µg/l. A significant linear correlation was observed. The regression equation was Y=3.1+0.73X where X is EB-A (ppm) and Y is EB-U (μg/l) (r=0.91, p<0.01). The significant correlation between EB-A and EB-U coupled with a small intercept suggests that biological monitoring of occupational EB exposure is possible by analysis for un-metabolized EB in end-of-shift urine samples. Further validation studies (including those on applicability to women) are envisaged. The feasibility should be examined for biological monitoring and the applicability of the equation among the workers exposed to EB at low levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Kawai
- Kansai Technical Center for Occupational Medicine, Japan
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26
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Erb A, Marsan P, Burgart M, Remy A, Lambert-Xolin AM, Jeandel F, Hanser O, Robert A. Simultaneous determination of aromatic and chlorinated compounds in urine of exposed workers by dynamic headspace and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (dHS-GC-MS). J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1125:121724. [PMID: 31352201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.121724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mixed exposure to chemical products is a topical issue for occupational health and often includes exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As very few methods are available for evaluating these mixed exposures, the aim of this work was to develop a simple biomonitoring method to assess simultaneous occupational exposures to chlorinated and aromatic VOCs by analyzing the unmetabolized fraction of the VOCs in the urine of workers. Volatile organic compounds were analyzed using dynamic headspace gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (dHS-GC-MS), and 11 unmetabolized urinary VOCs were measured into headspace phase, without any time-consuming pretreatment. Simultaneously, a standardized collection protocol was designed to avoid VOC losses or the contamination of urinary samples. The calibration samples were real urines, spiked with known amounts of the VOC mixtures studied. Test investigations were performed on potentially exposed workers in three factories in order to assess the effectiveness of both the collection protocol and analytical method. A satisfactory level of sensitivity was achieved, with limits of quantification (LOQ) between 10 and 15 ng/L obtained for all VOCs (except for styrene at 50 ng/L). Calibration curves were linear in the 0-20 μg/L range tested, with R2 correlation coefficients of 0.991 to 0.998. At the lowest concentration tested (0.08 μg/L), within-day precision varied from 2.1 to 5.5% and between-day precision ranged from 2.7 to 8.5%. Sample stability at -20 °C required that urinary samples be analyzed within 3 months. Even though the urinary concentrations of VOCs used in the plants were mostly quite low, significant differences between post-shift and pre-shift were observed. In conclusion, a fast, sensitive, specific and easy-to-use method has been developed for extracting VOCs from human urine using dHS-GC-MS. The method described has proven to be reliable for assessing current occupational exposure to chlorinated and aromatic VOCs in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Erb
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France.
| | - Philippe Marsan
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France
| | - Manuella Burgart
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France
| | - Aurélie Remy
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lambert-Xolin
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France
| | - Fanny Jeandel
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France
| | - Ogier Hanser
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France
| | - Alain Robert
- INRS, Department Toxicology and Biomonitoring, Laboratory of Biomonitoring, 1 rue du Morvan CS 60027, 54519 Vandœuvre Cedex, France
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Frigerio G, Mercadante R, Polledri E, Missineo P, Campo L, Fustinoni S. An LC-MS/MS method to profile urinary mercapturic acids, metabolites of electrophilic intermediates of occupational and environmental toxicants. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1117:66-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Rafiee A, Delgado-Saborit JM, Sly PD, Amiri H, Hoseini M. Lifestyle and occupational factors affecting exposure to BTEX in municipal solid waste composting facility workers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 656:540-546. [PMID: 30529957 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Composting facilities workers are potentially exposed to different volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study aims to investigate the potential exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) compounds among workers of composting facilities by measuring un-metabolized BTEX in urine and to investigate the effect that several lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking and residential traffic), using personal protective equipment, and religious practices such as Ramadan fasting can have on the urinary BTEX concentrations. We assessed concentrations of BTEX in the urine of a composting facility workers. Samples were collected in May 2018. Overall, 25 workers chosen as the exposed group and 20 inhabitants living close to the composting facility as a control group. The urine samples were collected from studied subjects. Identification and quantification of un-metabolized BTEX was performed using a headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Detailed information of participants was gathered by a comprehensive questionnaire. The geometric mean levels of urinary benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m‑p xylene, and o‑xylene in the exposed subjects were 1.27, 2.12, 0.54, 1.22 and 1.51 μg/L, respectively; 1.4 to 3.7-time higher than values in control group (p < 0.05). Post-shift levels were significantly higher than pre-shift for all chemicals (p < 0.05). Smoking habits, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, and Ramadan fasting predicted urinary BTEX levels. Personal protective equipment which included a simple N95 mask did not protected workers from BTEX emissions. Composting facilities represent a significant source BTEX emissions and exposure for staff. More effective protective strategies are required to minimize exposure and related occupational hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Rafiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain; Division of Environmental Health & Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Peter D Sly
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hoda Amiri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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29
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Rafiee A, Delgado-Saborit JM, Gordi E, Quémerais B, Kazemi Moghadam V, Lu W, Hashemi F, Hoseini M. Use of urinary biomarkers to characterize occupational exposure to BTEX in healthcare waste autoclave operators. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 631-632:857-865. [PMID: 29727996 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Urinary benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) can be used as a reliable biomarker of exposure to these pollutants. This study was aimed to investigate the urinary BTEX concentration in operators of healthcare waste (HCW) autoclaves. This cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran between April and June 2017. Twenty operators (as the case group) and twenty control subjects were enrolled in the study. Personal urine samples were collected at the beginning and end of the work shift. Urinary BTEX were measured by a headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A detailed questionnaire was used to gather information from subjects. Results showed that the median of urinary benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-p xylene, and o-xylene levels in the exposed group were 3.26, 3.36, 0.84, 3.94 and 4.48 μg/L, respectively. With the exception of ethylbenzene, subjects in the exposed group had significantly higher urinary BTEX levels than control group (p < 0.05). Urinary BTEX concentrations in the exposed case group were 2.5-fold higher than in the control group. There was a significant relationship between the amount of generated waste per day and the urinary BTEX in the exposed group. Smoking status and type of autoclave used were also identified as predictors of urinary BTEX concentrations. The healthcare waste treatment autoclaves can be considered as a significant BTEX exposure source for operators working with these treatment facilities. The appropriate personal protection equipment and control measures capable in reducing BTEX exposure should be provided to HCW workers to reduce their exposures to BTEX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Rafiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain; Division of Environmental Health & Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Elham Gordi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
| | | | | | - Wenjing Lu
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fallah Hashemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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30
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Rota F, Conti A, Campo L, Favero C, Cantone L, Motta V, Polledri E, Mercadante R, Dieci G, Bollati V, Fustinoni S. Epigenetic and Transcriptional Modifications in Repetitive Elements in Petrol Station Workers Exposed to Benzene and MTBE. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E735. [PMID: 29649143 PMCID: PMC5923777 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Benzene, a known human carcinogen, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity, are fuel-related pollutants. This study investigated the effect of these chemicals on epigenetic and transcriptional alterations in DNA repetitive elements. In 89 petrol station workers and 90 non-occupationally exposed subjects the transcriptional activity of retrotransposons (LINE-1, Alu), the methylation on repeated-element DNA, and of H3K9 histone, were investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Median work shift exposure to benzene and MTBE was 59 and 408 µg/m³ in petrol station workers, and 4 and 3.5 µg/m³, in controls. Urinary benzene (BEN-U), S-phenylmercapturic acid, and MTBE were significantly higher in workers than in controls, while trans,trans-muconic acid (tt-MA) was comparable between the two groups. Increased BEN-U was associated with increased Alu-Y and Alu-J expression; moreover, increased tt-MA was associated with increased Alu-Y and Alu-J and LINE-1 (L1)-5'UTR expression. Among repetitive element methylation, only L1-Pa5 was hypomethylated in petrol station workers compared to controls. While L1-Ta and Alu-YD6 methylation was not associated with benzene exposure, a negative association with urinary MTBE was observed. The methylation status of histone H3K9 was not associated with either benzene or MTBE exposure. Overall, these findings only partially support previous observations linking benzene exposure with global DNA hypomethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rota
- EPIGET, Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Anastasia Conti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
- Present address: San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Campo
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Fondazione Cà Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Favero
- EPIGET, Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Cantone
- EPIGET, Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Valeria Motta
- EPIGET, Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisa Polledri
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Fondazione Cà Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Rosa Mercadante
- EPIGET, Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Dieci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET, Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Fondazione Cà Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- EPIGET, Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Fondazione Cà Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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31
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Biomonitoring-based exposure assessment of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene among workers at petroleum distribution facilities. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 149:19-25. [PMID: 29145162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Lovreglio P, De Palma G, Barbieri A, Andreoli R, Drago I, Greco L, Gallo E, Diomede L, Scaramuzzo P, Ricossa MC, Fostinelli J, Apostoli P, Soleo L. Biological monitoring of exposure to low concentrations of benzene in workers at a metallurgical coke production plant: new insights into S-phenylmercapturic acid and urinary benzene. Biomarkers 2017; 23:70-77. [DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2017.1387935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine “E.C. Vigliani”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Barbieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Andreoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ignazio Drago
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine “E.C. Vigliani”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Luciano Greco
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine “E.C. Vigliani”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gallo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine “E.C. Vigliani”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Diomede
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine “E.C. Vigliani”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Scaramuzzo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine “E.C. Vigliani”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Ricossa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Fostinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Apostoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health Section of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Soleo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine “E.C. Vigliani”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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McNally K, Sams C, Loizou GD, Jones K. Evidence for non-linear metabolism at low benzene exposures? A reanalysis of data. Chem Biol Interact 2017; 278:256-268. [PMID: 28899792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The presence of a high-affinity metabolic pathway for low level benzene exposures of less than one part per million (ppm) has been proposed although a pathway has not been identified. The variation of metabolite molar fractions with increasing air benzene concentrations was suggested as evidence of significantly more efficient benzene metabolism at concentrations <0.1 ppm The evidence for this pathway is predicated on a rich data set from a study of Chinese shoe workers exposed to a wide range of benzene concentrations (not just "low level"). In this work we undertake a further independent re-analysis of this data with a focus on the evidence for an increase in the rate of metabolism of benzene exposures of less than 1 ppm. The analysis dataset consisted of measurements of benzene and toluene from personal air samplers, and measurements of unmetabolised benzene and toluene and five metabolites (phenol hydroquinone, catechol, trans, trans-muconic acid and s-phenylmercapturic acid) from post-shift urine samples for 213 workers with an occupational exposure to benzene (and toluene) and 139 controls. Measurements from control subjects were used to estimate metabolite concentrations resulting from non-occupational sources, including environmental sources of benzene. Data from occupationally exposed subjects were used to estimate metabolite concentrations as a function of benzene exposure. Correction for background (environmental exposure) sources of metabolites was achieved through a comparison of geometric means in occupationally exposed and control populations. The molar fractions of the five metabolites as a function of benzene exposure were computed. A supra-linear relationship between metabolite concentrations and benzene exposure was observed over the range 0.1-10 ppm benzene, however over the range benzene exposures of between 0.1 and 1 ppm only a modest departure from linearity was observed. The molar fractions estimated in this work were near constant over the range 0.1-10 ppm. No evidence of high affinity metabolism at these low level exposures was observed. Our reanalysis brings in to question the appropriateness of the dataset for commenting on low dose exposures and the use of a purely statistical approach to the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K McNally
- Health & Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, SK17 9JN, UK
| | - C Sams
- Health & Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, SK17 9JN, UK
| | - G D Loizou
- Health & Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, SK17 9JN, UK
| | - K Jones
- Health & Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, SK17 9JN, UK.
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Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity of Long-Term Occupational Exposure to Low Levels of BTEX in Gas Station Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13121212. [PMID: 27929445 PMCID: PMC5201353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13121212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) can lead to multiple health injuries. However, what remains uncertain is the effect of long-term exposure to low levels of BTEX. Thus, we determined the BTEX levels in the air from the refueling and office areas in gas stations. Then we collected workers’ (200 refueling vs. 52 office workers) peripheral blood samples to analyze the serum total-superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. DNA damage was analyzed by the comet assay and micronucleus test in buccal epithelial cells. We found that the levels of BTEX in refueling areas were significantly higher than those in office areas (p < 0.001). The serum T-SOD and GSH of refueling workers were significantly lower than those in office workers (p < 0.001). By contrast, the serum MDA and 8-OHdG of refueling workers were significantly higher than those of office workers (p < 0.001, MDA; p = 0.025, 8-OHdG). Furthermore, tail and Olive tail moments in refueling workers were longer (p = 0.004, tail moment; p = 0.001, Olive tail moment), and the micronucleus rate was higher (p < 0.001) than those in office workers. Taken together, long-term exposure to low levels of BTEX may reduce the antioxidant ability and increase the risk of DNA damage in refueling workers of gas stations.
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