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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-06-2010 | Original Article

Bromide and N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-l-cysteine in urine from workers exposed to 1-bromopropane solvents from vapor degreasing or adhesive manufacturing

Authors: Kevin William Hanley, Martin R. Petersen, Kenneth L. Cheever, Lian Luo

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2010

Abstract

Objectives

1-Bromopropane (1-BP) is an alternative for ozone depleting and other solvents; it is used in aerosol products, adhesives, and cleaning solvents. There is concern that 1-BP may be a reproductive and neurological toxicant. Mercapturic acid conjugates are excreted in urine from 1-BP metabolism involving debromination. The main objectives were to evaluate urinary bromide [Br⁽⁻⁾] and N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-l-cysteine (AcPrCys) for assessing 1-BP exposure in workers with low exposure.

Methods

Workers’ 1-BP exposures were measured in their breathing zones with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection via NIOSH 1025. Urine specimens were obtained over a 48-h period at five facilities using vapor degreasers and one adhesive manufacturer. All of the workers’ urine was collected into composite samples and analyzed separately representing daily time intervals: at work, after work but before bedtime, and upon awakening. Urinary metabolites were analyzed using intra-coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy for Br⁽⁻⁾, and high-performance liquid chromatography and electro-spray ionization mass spectroscopy for AcPrCys.

Results

Time-weighted average (TWA) geometric mean (GM) breathing zone concentrations of 1-BP at vapor degreasing facilities were 2.6 and 0.31 ppm, respectively, for workers near degreasers and those remote from degreasers. Urine metabolites showed the same trend as TWA exposures: higher levels were observed for workers near degreasers (48-h GM Br⁽⁻⁾ = 8.9 vs. 3.7; 48-h GM AcPrCys = 1.3 vs. 0.12, respectively). Associations of Br⁽⁻⁾ and AcPrCys concentrations with 1-BP TWA were statistically significant near degreasers (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study shows that urinary Br⁽⁻⁾ and AcPrCys are useful biomarkers of workers’ 1-BP exposures using analyses sensitive enough to measure low exposure jobs.

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Title: Bromide and N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-l-cysteine in urine from workers exposed to 1-bromopropane solvents from vapor degreasing or adhesive manufacturing
Authors: Kevin William Hanley
Martin R. Petersen
Kenneth L. Cheever
Lian Luo
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0524-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Bromide and N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-l-cysteine in urine from workers exposed to 1-bromopropane solvents from vapor degreasing or adhesive manufacturing

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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