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Charalampous N, Antonopoulou M, Chasapis CT, Vlastos D, Dormousoglou M, Dailianis S. New insights into the oxidative and cytogenotoxic effects of Tetraglyme on human peripheral blood cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176484. [PMID: 39322075 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The present study investigated the oxidative and cytogenotoxic potential of Tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (known as Tetraglyme) on healthy human peripheral blood lymphocytes, widely used as an in vitro model for assessing the human health risk posed by different chemical compounds. In a first step, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, and Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) were employed to estimate Tetraglyme's stability under a wide range of pH values (4-12), and thus to identify potential by-products. Thereafter, isolated lymphocytes were treated with different concentrations of Tetraglyme (0.02-20 mg L-1) for assessing its oxidative (using the DCFH-DA staining), and cytogenotoxic potential (using the trypan blue exclusion test for estimating cell viability, Comet assay, as well as the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, with or without the addition of S9 metabolic activation system). According to the results, Tetraglyme remains stable at pH 4, but two additional derivatives (i.e. 1-[2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-2-methoxyethane [C9H20O4] and 1-ethoxy-2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethane (Diethylene glycol diethyl ether) [C8H18O3]) were found in traces, under alkaline conditions (pH ≥7). Moreover, although Tetraglyme (and/or its derivatives) showed negligible alterations of cell viability (>92 %) in all cases, the pronounced ROS formation, DNA damage, cell proliferation arrest, and MN frequencies in challenged cells are indicative of its oxidative and cytogenotoxic potential. The significant alterations of Cytokinesis-Block Proliferation Index (CBPI) and Micronucleus (MN) frequencies in S9 challenged cells give further evidence for the potential involvement of Tetraglyme's metabolites in the observed cytogenotoxic mode of action. Although not conclusive, the present findings give rise to further research, utilizing different cell types and biological models, for elucidating Tetraglyme's toxic mode of action, as well as its environmental and human risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Charalampous
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, GR-26500 Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Antonopoulou
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Patras, GR-30131 Agrinio, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, GR-11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Vlastos
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, GR-26500 Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - Margarita Dormousoglou
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, GR-26500 Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - Stefanos Dailianis
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, GR-26500 Rio, Patras, Greece.
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Borgatta M, Wild P, Delobel J, Renella R, Hopf NB. Hematological variations in healthy participants exposed 2 h to propylene glycol ethers under controlled conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:162865. [PMID: 36933710 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Glycol ethers are solvents used in a plethora of occupational and household products exposing the users to potential toxic effects. Several glycol ethers derived from ethylene glycol induce hematological toxicity, such as anemia in workers. The exposure effects on blood cells of glycol ethers derived from propylene glycol are unknown in humans. The aim of our study was to evaluate blood parameters indicative of red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis and oxidative stress in participants exposed to propylene glycol (propylene glycol monobutyl ether (PGBE) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME)), two extensively used propylene glycol derivatives worldwide. Seventeen participants were exposed 2 h in a control inhalation exposure chamber to low PGME (35 ppm) and PGBE (15 ppm) air concentrations. Blood was regularly collected before, during (15, 30, 60, and 120 min), and 60 min after exposure for RBC and oxidative stress analyses. Urine was also collected for clinical effects related to hemolysis. Under the study conditions, our results showed that the blood parameters such as RBCs, hemoglobin concentration, and white blood cells tended to increase in response to PGME and PGBE exposures. These results raise questions about the possible effects in people regularly exposed to higher concentrations, such as workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Borgatta
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Pascal Wild
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland; PW Statistical Consulting, 54520 Laxou, France.
| | - Julien Delobel
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Division of Pediatrics, Department "Woman-Mother-Child", Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Division of Pediatrics, Department "Woman-Mother-Child", Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Nancy B Hopf
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Borgatta M, Wild P, Hopf NB. Blood absorption toxicokinetics of glycol ethers after inhalation: A human controlled study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151637. [PMID: 34774961 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151637] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Glycol ethers are organic solvents present in countless products for professional and domestic use. The main toxicological concerns are hematotoxicity, respiratory and reproductive toxicity. The general population can be exposed when using products containing one or several glycol ethers that evaporate or if sprayed, generate aerosols that can be inhaled. The rate at which glycol ethers enters blood following inhalation exposure are unknown in humans, and chemical risk assessors only rely on animal and in vitro toxicity studies. Propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) and propylene glycol monobutyl ether (PGBE) are two examples of glycol ethers used worldwide. Our study aimed to provide human toxicokinetic data after inhalation exposure of low PGME and PGBE concentrations tested alone or in mixture. Healthy participants (n = 28) were exposed to 35 ppm (131 mg/m3) of PGME and 15 ppm (i.e., 83 mg/m3) of PGBE for 2 or 6 h. Blood was regularly collected during the exposure sessions. PGME and PGBE were immediately bioavailable in blood during exposure, and the mean absorption rates were up to 13 μg/L/min and 2.45 μg/L/min, respectively. Maximum mean blood concentration (Cmax) was 2.91 mg/L and 0.41 mg/L for PGME and PGBE. The cumulative internal doses over time (area under the curve, AUC) were 11 mg∗h/L and 1.81 mg∗h/L for PGME and PGBE. PGME and PGBE total blood uptake could possibly be higher in physically active individuals, such as workers. We recommend that glycol ethers present on the market undergo toxicological testing with the internal doses we found in our toxicokinetic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Borgatta
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Pascal Wild
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France.
| | - Nancy B Hopf
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Exposure to glycol ethers among 6-year-old children in France. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 227:113510. [PMID: 32172156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Glycol ethers are an oxygenated solvent family widely present in consumer products. Some of them are recognized reproductive, developmental or hematological toxicants. Although several glycol ether biomonitoring studies have been performed on adults from working or general populations, no studies have hitherto been carried out on children. The aim of our study was to explore the detection of glycol ether metabolites in the urinary samples of 6-year-old children, and if any were found, to describe them. The PELAGIE mother-child cohort included 3421 pregnant women from the general population of Brittany, France, between 2002 and 2006. Our biomonitoring study included a random sample of 110 children from the PELAGIE cohort who had participated in a neurodevelopment evaluation at the age of six. First morning voids were collected from all of the children. Eight urinary glycol ether metabolites were measured using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The limit of detection was 0.003 mg/L for all metabolites. Glycol ether metabolites were detected at rates varying from 33.5% of samples for propoxyacetic acid to 100% of samples for phenoxyacetic acid and methoxyacetic acid. The highest median concentration observed was for phenoxyacetic acid (0.141 mg/l). Our study reported the ubiquitous presence of glycol ether metabolites in children's urinary samples. These results call for larger biomonitoring surveys of the general population and study of the potential sources and determinants of these exposures.
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Nisse C, Labat L, Thomas J, Leroyer A. Caractérisation de l’exposition aux éthers de glycol d’un échantillon de population générale du Nord–Pas-de-Calais par biométrologie urinaire. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Reticulocytosis in screen-printing workers exposed to 2-butoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol. Ann Occup Environ Med 2017; 29:54. [PMID: 29152309 PMCID: PMC5678562 DOI: 10.1186/s40557-017-0210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies on the hematologic toxicity of ethylene glycol ethers in humans are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between exposure to solvents (containing 2-butoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol) and hematological effects. Methods Thirty-four screen-printing workers who were exposed to 2-butoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol and 37 non-exposed clerical workers were selected using data from the health care facilities that provided regular health screening services. Student’s t-tests and Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to compare differences in hematological parameters between the exposed and the control groups. A multivariate analysis was performed using the multiple logistic regression models to adjust for other variables. Results The chi-square test showed the reticulocyte percentages and corrected reticulocyte counts to be significantly higher in the exposed group. The t-tests showed a significant increase in white blood cell counts, reticulocyte percentages, and corrected reticulocyte count (i.e., reticulocyte index) in the exposed group, with p-values of 0.002, 0.004, and 0.002, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed the odds ratio for the corrected reticulocyte counts to be 16.30 for the exposed group, when compared with that of the control group. Conclusions Exposure to 2-butoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol was significantly associated with reticulocytosis, necessitating the implementation of preventive measures for workers prone to occupational exposure to ethylene glycol ethers.
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Indoor air guide values for glycol ethers and glycol esters—A category approach. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:419-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bekanntmachung des Umweltbundesamtes: Stoffmonographie für Glykolether, die zu Methoxyessigsäure verstoffwechselt werden – Referenz- und Human-Biomonitoring (HBM)-Werte für Methoxyessigsäure im Urin. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-013-1901-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fromme H, Nitschke L, Boehmer S, Kiranoglu M, Göen T. Exposure of German residents to ethylene and propylene glycol ethers in general and after cleaning scenarios. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:2714-2721. [PMID: 23290947 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Glycol ethers are a class of semi-volatile substances used as solvents in a variety of consumer products like cleaning agents, paints, cosmetics as well as chemical intermediates. We determined 11 metabolites of ethylene and propylene glycol ethers in 44 urine samples of German residents (background level study) and in urine samples of individuals after exposure to glycol ethers during cleaning activities (exposure study). In the study on the background exposure, methoxyacetic acid and phenoxyacetic acid (PhAA) could be detected in each urine sample with median (95th percentile) values of 0.11 mgL(-1) (0.30 mgL(-1)) and 0.80 mgL(-1) (23.6 mgL(-1)), respectively. The other metabolites were found in a limited number of samples or in none. In the exposure study, 5-8 rooms were cleaned with a cleaner containing ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), propylene glycol monobutyl ether (PGBE), or ethylene glycol monopropyl ether (EGPE). During cleaning the mean levels in the indoor air were 7.5 mgm(-3) (EGBE), 3.0 mgm(-3) (PGBE), and 3.3 mgm(-3) (EGPE), respectively. The related metabolite levels analysed in the urine of the residents of the rooms at the day of cleaning were 2.4 mgL(-1) for butoxyacetic acid, 0.06 mgL(-1) for 2-butoxypropionic acid, and 2.3 mgL(-1) for n-propoxyacetic acid. Overall, our study indicates that the exposure of the population to glycol ethers is generally low, with the exception of PhAA. Moreover, the results of the cleaning scenarios demonstrate that the use of indoor cleaning agents containing glycol ethers can lead to a detectable internal exposure of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Fromme
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, D-80538 Munich, Germany.
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Comparison of the in Vitro Hemolytic Effects Produced by Alkoxyacetic Acids on Human and Rat Erythrocytes. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2008; 21:147-55. [DOI: 10.2478/v10001-008-0009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Starek A, Szymczak W, Zapor L. Hematological effects of four ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in short-term repeated exposure in rats. Arch Toxicol 2007; 82:125-36. [PMID: 17874071 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-007-0236-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to compare the hematological effects of 2-methoxyethanol (ME), 2-ethoxyethanol (EE), 2-isopropoxyethanol (IPE), and 2-butoxyethanol (BE) in short-term studies in rats. Male rats were subcutaneously treated with ME or EE at a dosage of 0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mM/kg in saline, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Other rats were exposed to IPE or BE at doses of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.25 mM/kg in the same manner. Administration of each chemical, except of ME, resulted in a time- and dose-dependent swelling of erythrocytes as evidenced by an increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Subsequently, red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volumes (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) decreased. Furthermore, an increase in mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and reticulocyte counts was observed. The onset of hemolysis induced by EE, IPE or BE was faster than after ME administration. While in rats exposed to ME hematological changes were strongly pronounced and progressively increased with exposure time beginning from the day 11, those in animals treated with EE were rather persisted at low constant level for all exposure period. In contrast, the rats exposed to IPE and BE demonstrated the dramatic hematological changes more pronounced in case of BE than IPE at the beginning of exposure (on day 4). Despite of exposure duration, these changes were regressed, although the decrease in RBC and MCHC and the increase in MCV and MCH in rats treated with highest doses of both compound (0.5, 0.75, and 1.25 mM/kg) were more persistent, probably due to selective hemolysis of the aged erythrocytes. In addition, significant leukopenia due to reduction of lymphocytes in rats exposed to ME was observed. In summary, this study demonstrated no tolerance to ME- and EE-induced intravascular hemolysis developed under these experimental conditions. On the contrary, tolerance to IPE- and BE-induced hemolysis in rats exposed to these compounds was prompted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Starek
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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Chen HI, Liou SH, Hsieh MH, Shih TS, Sun CW, Wu TN, Chang HY, Loh CH. Hematological Follow‐up of an Intervention Program Adding Rubber Glove‐Wearing to Local Ventilation for 2‐Ethoxyethanol Acetate‐Exposed Workers. J Occup Health 2007; 49:285-93. [PMID: 17690522 DOI: 10.1539/joh.49.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate an intervention program, implemented in year 1999, of wearing rubber gloves in addition to engineering control, and to follow-up the hematological effects of 2-ethoxyethanol acetate (2-EEA) exposure among workers in a silk-screening factory. All workers from the printing department with direct exposure to 2-EEA were recruited as the exposed group. Workers from the other departments were recruited as the comparison group. Hematological parameters were measured during health surveys conducted 3 times every two years. Information on personal characteristics and working habits was obtained through a structured questionnaire. More female workers were involved in manual printing resulting in higher exposure to 2-EEA. Hemoglobin and haematocrit levels in female exposed workers were significantly lower than those of female comparison workers in the 1st (1998) health survey, but not in the 2nd (2000) and 3rd (2002) health surveys. No difference was found between male exposed and comparison workers for all three surveys. Longitudinal analysis after adjusting for confounders using the general estimating equation model showed the hemoglobin, haematocrit, and RBC count were significantly higher for 2-EEA exposed workers than comparison workers across the 3 surveys (n=42). The results show that wearing rubber gloves in addition to local ventilation was effective at preventing direct dermal exposure to 2-EEA and ameliorated the hematological effects of 2-EEA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-I Chen
- Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, and Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yokota K, Ueno H, Ikeda N, Johyama Y, Michitsuji H, Yamada S. Correlation between urinary methoxyacetic acid and exposure of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether in a lithium battery plant. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2007; 81:123-6. [PMID: 17492304 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-007-0198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2006] [Accepted: 04/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the correlation between airborne ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (EGdiME) exposures and the urinary methoxyacetic acid (MAA) and to approach the issue of a permissible exposure limit for EGdiME. METHODS The survey was conducted on Thursday. Workers occupationally exposed to EGdiME, as well as nonexposed controls, were studied in combination with one of the authors, who was coincidentally exposed to EGdiME while carrying out the study. Air levels of EGdiME were determined by personal sampling on passive gas tubes. Urine was collected from nine control subjects and ten workers immediately before and after the shift, and from one of the authors at intervals during 12 h. The analyses of EGdiME in air and MAA in urine were performed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. RESULTS The time-weighted average (TWA) air levels of EGdiME ranged from 0.7 to 10.5 ppm during 8 h work shifts. The urinary levels of MAA in one of the authors increased continuously during exposure and after the end of exposure. The levels of urinary MAA in the exposed workers were significantly higher than those in the control subjects. On the other hand, the postshift values were higher than the preshift values in the exposed workers, but the difference was not significant. A linear correlation was found between the TWA air levels of EGdiME and creatinine-adjusted MAA levels in urine collected at the end of the shift (r = 0.933; P < 0.0001). According to our equation, a linear extrapolation to the biological limit value recommended by Shih et al. (1999) of 40 mg MAA/g crea indicated an average inhalation exposure to EGdiME over the workweek of 12 ppm. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the determination of MAA in urine is suitable for use in the biological monitoring of EGdiME exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Yokota
- Matsushita Science Center of Industrial Hygiene, 7-6 Tonoshima-cho, Kadoma, Osaka 571-0045, Japan.
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Shih TS, Wu KY, Chen HI, Chang CP, Chang HY, Huang YS, Liou SH. The development and regulation of occupational exposure limits in Taiwan. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2006; 46:142-8. [PMID: 16701932 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2006.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The occupational exposure limits (OELs) in Taiwan was promulgated in 1974 and has been revised five times since then. Many of the OELs were adopted from the most recent ACGIH TLVs and US OSHA PELs. A total of 483 chemicals were listed in the current Taiwan OELs Standard. The procedures of OELs development in Taiwan include the IOSH organized a recommended exposure limits (RELs) Committee to select the target chemicals and to recommend the RELs through literature review based on the health effects in the first stage, then, the CLA put policy needs, economical and technical feasibility into consideration and set up the final OELs at the second stage. A standard operation manual of RELs Committee has been developed. Based on our experience, several issues including the participation of representatives from a comprehensive spectrum, communication/education and training/enforcement, continuous collection of the local exposure data and health hazard information, use of health risk assessment, consideration of economic, and technical feasibility, as well as the globalization and information and experience sharing are critical in developing the appropriate OELs. Three examples including benzene, crystalline silica, and 2-methoxy ethanol are given to demonstrate the operation of system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Sheng Shih
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, No 99, Lane 407, Heng-Ke Rd., Sijhih City, Taipei, Taiwan
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LaDou J. Printed circuit board industry. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2006; 209:211-9. [PMID: 16580876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2005] [Revised: 02/03/2006] [Accepted: 02/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The printed circuit board is the platform upon which microelectronic components such as semiconductor chips and capacitors are mounted. It provides the electrical interconnections between components and is found in virtually all electronics products. Once considered low technology, the printed circuit board is evolving into a high-technology product. Printed circuit board manufacturing is highly complicated, requiring large equipment investments and over 50 process steps. Many of the high-speed, miniaturized printed circuit boards are now manufactured in cleanrooms with the same health and safety problems posed by other microelectronics manufacturing. Asia produces three-fourths of the world's printed circuit boards. In Asian countries, glycol ethers are the major solvents used in the printed circuit board industry. Large quantities of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, dimethylformamide, and lead are used by the printed circuit board industry. For decades, chemically intensive and often sloppy manufacturing processes exposed tens of thousands of workers to a large number of chemicals that are now known to be reproductive toxicants and carcinogens. The printed circuit board industry has exposed workers to high doses of toxic metals, solvents, acids, and photolithographic chemicals. Only recently has there been any serious effort to diminish the quantity of lead distributed worldwide by the printed circuit board industry. Billions of electronics products have been discarded in every region of the world. This paper summarizes recent regulatory and enforcement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph LaDou
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143-0924, USA.
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Yokota K, Ikeda N, Johyama Y, Michitsuji H, Yamada S. Urinary methoxyacetic acid as an indicator of occupational exposure to ethylene glycol dimethyl ether. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2005; 78:650-4. [PMID: 16001212 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-005-0014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2005] [Accepted: 05/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether methoxyacetic acid (MAA) is the metabolite of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (EGdiME) in humans and whether its metabolite in urine can be used as a biomarker for exposure to EGdiME. METHODS Workers occupationally exposed to EGdiME, as well as nonexposed controls, were studied. Urine samples were collected from 20 control subjects and, on Friday postshift, from 14 workers. The identification and quantification of the metabolite were performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and GC/FID, respectively. Air samples were collected on activated charcoal tubes by area sampling with battery-operated pumps. The glycol ether was analyzed by GC/FID. RESULTS GC/MS clearly showed the metabolite of EGdiME to be MAA. Urinary MAA levels in the control subjects (background levels) were 0.0-0.3 mg/g crea. The levels of urinary MAA in the solvent-exposed workers were significantly (P<0.0001) higher than those in the control subjects. In the eight workers exposed to an average of 0.3 ppm of EGdiME and the six workers exposed to an average of 2.9 ppm, the mean urinary MAA level was 1.08 (range 0.6-1.5) mg/g crea and 9.33 (range 5.7-18.1) mg/g crea, respectively. These results can be explained by differences in the exposure intensity. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that MAA is the metabolite of EGdiME, and that MAA in urine may be used for biological monitoring of EGdiME exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Yokota
- Matsushita Science Center of Industrial Hygiene, Kadoma, Osaka, 571-0045, Japan,
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Chang HY, Lin CC, Shih TS, Chan H, Chou JS, Huang YS. Evaluation of the protective effectiveness of gloves from occupational exposure to 2-methoxyethanol using the biomarkers of 2-methoxyacetic acid levels in the urine and plasma. Occup Environ Med 2004; 61:697-702. [PMID: 15258277 PMCID: PMC1740814 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2003.011171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the protective effectiveness of gloves from occupational exposure to 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME); and to examine the association of 2-methoxyacetic acid (MAA) in urine and plasma collected simultaneously from low 2-ME exposure and high 2-ME exposure workers in a semiconductor copper laminate circuit board manufacturing plant. METHODS Eight hour time weighted breathing zone monitoring was performed to verify the 2-ME exposure classification between workers in regular and special operations. Urine and plasma samples were simultaneously collected from 74 exposed and 80 non-exposed workers. MAA concentrations in the urine (UMAA) and plasma (PMAA) were measured using previously published methods. Three types of gloves worn by workers (cotton, rubber, and no gloves) were recorded by direct observations in the workplace and validated by person-to-person interview. Protective effectiveness indices (PEI) were used to evaluate the glove effectiveness. RESULTS There was no detectable 2-ME/MAA in the air, or in urine and plasma samples in non-exposed workers. The average UMAA and PMAA in special operations were 72.63 mg/g Cr. and 29.72 mg/l, significantly higher than values in regular operations (5.44 mg/g Cr. and 2.58 mg/l, respectively). PMAA showed satisfactory correlation to UMAA in all participants from both regular and special operations. The rubber gloves provided significant reduction in 2-ME uptake, whereas cotton gloves provided little protection with fluctuating effectiveness, based on PEI estimates. CONCLUSIONS PMAA, similar to UMAA, could serve as a specific biomarker for 2-ME exposure. Wearing impermeable rubber gloves during high risk tasks can reduce major 2-ME exposure. Other improvements, including engineering control, should be provided to diminish worker exposure to 2-ME in occupational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-Y Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
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Loh CH, Shih TS, Hsieh AT, Chen YH, Liao GD, Liou SH. Hepatic Effects in Workers Exposed to 2-Methoxy Ethanol. J Occup Environ Med 2004; 46:707-13. [PMID: 15247810 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000131785.15184.c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 2-ME on hepatic function in exposed workers. Fifty-three impregnation workers from two copper-clad laminate-manufacturing factories using 2-ME as a solvent were recruited as the exposed group. Another group of 121 lamination workers with indirect exposure to 2-ME was recruited as the comparison group. Environmental monitoring of air 2-ME concentrations and biological monitoring of urine 2-methoxy acetic acid concentrations were performed. Venous blood was collected for blood biochemistry analyses. Liver function examination results showed that the aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the 2-ME-exposed workers were not significantly different from those in the comparison workers. After adjustment for hepatitis carrier status, gender, body mass index, and duration of employment, no difference were found between exposed and comparison groups. We conclude that 2-ME was not a hepatotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hui Loh
- Department of Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and Armed Force 807 Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Loh CH, Shih TS, Liou SH, Lin YC, Hsieh AT, Chen CY, Liao GD. Haematological effects among silk screening workers exposed to 2-ethoxy ethyl acetate. Occup Environ Med 2003; 60:E7. [PMID: 12937203 PMCID: PMC1740620 DOI: 10.1136/oem.60.9.e7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 2-Ethoxy ethyl acetate (2-EEA) is a solvent with broad industrial and commercial applications. It has been reported to cause hematological toxicity, infertility, and teratogenesis. AIMS To investigate the haematological effects in 2-EEA exposed workers. METHODS Workers from one silk screening shop (n = 29), using 2-EEA as the major cleaning and printing solvent, were recruited as a high exposure group. Workers with indirect and non-exposure to 2-EEA (n = 56) were recruited as the comparison group. Venous blood was collected for blood routine examination. Air concentration of 2-EEA in this plant was measured by eight hour personal sampling. RESULTS The geometric mean (GM) of air concentration of 2-EEA in the high exposure group was 7.41 ppm (range 1.35-16.5 pppm). The mean exposure of female workers (GM = 9.34 ppm) was significantly higher than that of male workers (GM = 4.87 ppm). The GM of air 2-EEA concentration in the comparison group was 0.07 ppm (range: non-detectable to 3.62 ppm, n = 26). The haemoglobin and haematocrit in the female high 2-EEA exposure workers were significantly lower than those of female workers in the comparison group. No difference was found between male 2-EEA high exposure and comparison group workers. The haemoglobin, haematocrit, and RBC count in the study population had a significant dose-response relation with air 2-EEA levels. CONCLUSION Results suggest that 2-EEA is a haematological toxicant, which leads to anaemic status in high exposure female workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-H Loh
- Department of Family Medicine & Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, 325 Cheng-Kung Road, Sec. 2, Nei-Hu, Taipei, Taiwan 114, ROC.
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