DNA strand breaks, oxidative damage, and 1-OH pyrene in roofers with coal-tar pitch dust and/or asphalt fume exposure

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Korean adults: evaluation of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-naphthol, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 2-hydroxyfluorene using Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey data

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are occupational and environmental pollutants generated by the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Exposure to PAHs can occur in various occupations. In this study, we compared PAH exposure levels among occupations based on 4 urinary PAH metabolites in a Korean adult population.

Methods

The evaluation of occupational exposure to PAHs was conducted using Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey data. The occupational groups were classified based on skill types. Four urinary PAH metabolites were used to evaluate PAH exposure: 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 2-naphthol (2-NAP), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1-OHPHE), and 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-OHFLU). The fraction exceeding the third quartile of urinary concentration for each PAH metabolite was assessed for each occupational group. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for exceeding the third quartile of urinary PAH metabolite concentration were calculated for each occupational group compared to the "business, administrative, clerical, financial, and insurance" group using multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

The "guard and security" (OR: 2.949; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.300-6.691), "driving and transportation" (OR: 2.487; 95% CI: 1.418-4.364), "construction and mining" (OR: 2.683; 95% CI: 1.547-4.655), and "agriculture, forestry, and fisheries" (OR: 1.973; 95% CI: 1.220-3.191) groups had significantly higher ORs for 1-OHP compared to the reference group. No group showed significantly higher ORs than the reference group for 2-NAP. The groups with significantly higher ORs for 1-OHPHE than the reference group were "cooking and food service" (OR: 2.073; 95% CI: 1.208-3.556), "driving and transportation" (OR: 1.724; 95% CI: 1.059-2.808), and "printing, wood, and craft manufacturing" (OR: 2.255; 95% CI: 1.022-4.974). The OR for 2-OHFLU was significantly higher in the "printing, wood, and craft manufacturing" group (OR: 3.109; 95% CI: 1.335-7.241) than in the reference group.

Conclusions

The types and levels of PAH exposure differed among occupational groups in a Korean adult population.

8-oxoguanine and 8-oxodeoxyguanosine Biomarkers of Oxidative DNA Damage: A Review on HPLC-ECD Determination

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are continuously produced in living cells due to metabolic and biochemical reactions and due to exposure to physical, chemical and biological agents. Excessive ROS cause oxidative stress and lead to oxidative DNA damage. Within ROS-mediated DNA lesions, 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) and its nucleotide 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG)—the guanine and deoxyguanosine oxidation products, respectively, are regarded as the most significant biomarkers for oxidative DNA damage. The quantification of 8-oxoG and 8-oxodG in urine, blood, tissue and saliva is essential, being employed to determine the overall effects of oxidative stress and to assess the risk, diagnose, and evaluate the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and other age-related diseases. High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC–ECD) is largely employed for 8-oxoG and 8-oxodG determination in biological samples due to its high selectivity and sensitivity, down to the femtomolar range. This review seeks to provide an exhaustive analysis of the most recent reports on the HPLC–ECD determination of 8-oxoG and 8-oxodG in cellular DNA and body fluids, which is relevant for health research.

Association of Particulate Matter from Cooking Oil Fumes with Heart Rate Variability and Oxidative Stress

Many studies have reported various cardiovascular autonomic responses to ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution, but few have reported such responses to occupational PM exposures. Even fewer have demonstrated a relationship between PM pollution and oxidative stress in humans. This panel study evaluates the association between occupational exposure to PM in cooking oil fumes (COFs), and changes in both heart rate variability (HRV) and oxidative stress responses in 54 male Chinese cooks. Linear mixed-effects regression models were adopted to estimate the strength of the association between PM and HRV. Participants’ pre- and post-workshift urine samples were analyzed for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Exposure to PM in COFs from 15 min to 2 h were associated with a decrease in HRV and an increase in heart rate among cooks. The urinary 8-OHdG levels of cooks were significantly elevated after workshift exposure to COFs. The levels of PM_2.5, PM_1.0, and particulate benzo(a)pyrene in COFs were all positively correlated with cross-workshift urinary 8-OHdG levels. Furthermore, the levels of benzo(a)pyrene in COFs were positively correlated with cross-workshift urinary MDA levels. The effects of COFs on HRV were independent of cross-workshift urinary 8-OHdG levels. Exposure to COFs leads to disturbed autonomic function and an increased risk of oxidative DNA injury among cooks in Chinese restaurants.

Genotoxic effect of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in asphalt workers

Asphalt workers are at risk due to exposure to asphalt fumes containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The main purpose of this study was to measure the urinary metabolite of PAHs and to determine its effect on micronucleus (MN) formation as an indicator of genotoxic damage. In this cross-sectional study, the MN frequency in 48 male asphalt workers exposed to PAHs was measured and compared with 48 male non-exposed employees. PAHs exposure was evaluated by determining urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). The mean concentrations of 1-OHP in the exposed and non-exposed groups were 0.58 ± 0.41 μmol/mol creatinine and 0.38 ± 0.25 μmol/mol creatinine, respectively. 1-OHP concentration was significantly higher in smokers compared with non-smokers in both exposed and non-exposed groups. Moreover, the mean MN frequency in the exposed group was significantly higher than in the non-exposed group. The MN frequency was significantly higher in asphalt workers with a work history of ≥ 15 years compared to workers with lower work history. In a fully adjusted model, there was a statistically significant association between exposure to PAHs, with MN and 1-OHP concentration, and between smoking status with 1-OHP. The findings of the present study indicated that occupational exposure to PAHs was associated with increased urinary 1-OHP as well as DNA damage in the asphalt workers.

Ambient particulate matter compositions and increased oxidative stress: Exposure-response analysis among high-level exposed population

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress has been suggested to be one of the key drivers of health impact of particulate matter (PM). More studies on the oxidative potential of PM alone, but fewer studies have comprehensively evaluated the effects of external and internal exposure to PM compositions on oxidative stress in population.

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively investigate the exposure-response relationship between PM and its main compositions with oxidative stress indicators.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study including 768 participants exposed to particulates. Environmental levels of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in PM were measured, and urinary levels of PAHs metabolites and metals were measured as internal dose, respectively. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the correlations of PM exposure and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2́'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

RESULTS

The concentration of both PM_2.5 and total PAHs was significantly correlated with increased urinary 8-OHdG, 8-iso-PGF2α and MDA levels (all p < 0.05). The levels of 4 essential metals all showed significant exposure-response increase in urinary 8-OHdG in both current and non-current smokers (all p < 0.05); ambient selenium, cobalt and zinc were found to be significantly correlated with urinary 8-iso-PGF2α (p = 0.002, 0.003, 0.01, respectively); only selenium and cobalt were significantly correlated with urinary MDA (p < 0.001, 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, we found each one-unit increase in urinary total OH-PAHs generated a 0.32 increase in urinary 8-OHdG, a 0.22 increase in urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and a 0.19 increase in urinary MDA (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was found that the level of 12 urinary metals all showed significant and positive correlations with three oxidative stress biomarkers in all subjects (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic molecular epidemiological study showed that particulate matter components could induce increased oxidative stress on DNA and lipid. It may be more important to monitor and control the harmful compositions in PM rather than overall particulate mass.

Arsenic Exposure and Methylation Efficiency in Relation to Oxidative Stress in Semiconductor Workers

This study examined associations between oxidative stress and arsenic (As) exposure and methylation efficiency in semiconductor workers. An As-exposed group (n = 427) and a control group (n = 91) were included. The As-exposure group (n = 427) included 149 maintenance staff members and 278 production staff members representing high As exposure and low As exposure, respectively. The control group included 91 administrative staff members with no or minimal As exposure. An occupational exposure assessment was conducted to assess personal As exposure by measuring As concentrations in urine, hair, and fingernails of the subjects. Urinary As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) were quantified to assess an internal dose of inorganic As. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to asses oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, respectively. As concentrations in urine, hair, and fingernails significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the As-exposed group in comparison to the control group. Geometric mean urinary concentrations of As, 8-OHdG, and MDA in the As-exposed group significantly exceeded those in the control group. As exposure to As-exposed workers had increased concentrations of 8-OHdG in contrast to those in control subjects. Moreover, urinary 8-OHdG concentrations in the semiconductor workers were positively correlated with urinary total As metabolite (As(III) + As(V) + MMA + DMA) concentrations. Furthermore, urinary excretion of 8-OHdG concentrations in As-exposed workers were positively associated with urinary excretion of MMA concentrations and primary methylation index values (the ration of MMA/inorganic As). However, fingernail and hair samples did not perform as well as urinary samples to measure oxidative stress induced by As exposure. 8-OHdG could serve as a more reliable biomarker for assessing As methylation than MDA did. Occupational exposure to inorganic As was associated with increased oxidative stress among semiconductor workers.

Towards a recommended biomonitoring strategy for assessing the occupational exposure of roofers to PAHs

The aims of this work were to assess the PAH exposure among roofers and to identify relevant biomarkers for monitoring occupational exposure. Several campaigns were conducted between 2004 and 2017, with 28 individual air samples and 240 urinary samples collected from 73 roofers. Seventeen parent PAHs and 14 urinary biomarkers, metabolites of pyrene (1-OHP), benzo(a)pyrene (3-OHBaP and TetraolBaP), naphthalene (1- and 2-naphtols), fluorene (1- 2- 3- 9-fluorenols) and phenanthrene (1- 2- 3- 4- 9-phenanthrols), were analysed. Three exposure groups were considered: soft-applied roofing using polymer-modified bitumen ("PMB"), hot-applied roofing using oxidized bitumen ("OB") and the tearing off of old roof coatings containing coal tar ("CT"). The PAHs containing 2-3 rings were much more abundant, and the highest airborne levels were observed in the "CT" group. The biomonitoring results were consistent with these results, with a large predominance of 2-3 ring PAH metabolites. 1-OHP, 3-fluorenol and 2-phenanthrol were better correlated with airborne levels and less influenced by smoking than the other metabolites. Conversely, 1-/2-naphtol levels were heavily influenced by smoking and not correlated with airborne naphthalene levels. Moreover, 3-OHBaP and TetraolBaP levels were very low when applying bitumen membranes, and much higher exposures were observed during tear-off activities. In this context, the recommended strategy for roofer biomonitoring should include 1-OHP, fluorenols and phenanthrols, as well as carcinogenic BaP metabolites (3-OHBaP or TetraolBaP) when evaluating the occupational exposure of roofers that are tearing off old roof coatings.

Effects of Heavy Metal Exposure on Shipyard Welders: A Cautionary Note for 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of diseases induced by welding fumes. To our knowledge, little information is available on the relationship between multiple heavy metal exposure and oxidative stress in welders. We assessed the relationship between multiple heavy metal exposure and oxidative damage by analyzing 174 nonsmoking male welders in a shipyard. Urinary metals were used as the internal dose of exposure to metals in welding fumes, and urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was used as an oxidative DNA damage marker. The relationship between workers’ metal levels and 8-OHdG was estimated using a multiple linear regression model. The geometric mean levels of urinary chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were considerably higher in welders than in controls. Urinary Cr and Ni were determined as effective predictors of urinary 8-OHdG levels after adjusting for covariates. Oxidative DNA damage was associated with both Cr and Ni of welding fume exposure in shipyard welders (Ln Cr: β = 0.33, 95%C.I. = 0.16–0.49; Ln Ni: β = 0.27, 95%C.I. = 0.12–0.43). In this study, we investigated the significantly positive relationship between urinary metals (especially Cr and Ni) and 8-OHdG in nonsmoking shipyard welders. Moreover, the use of particulate respirators did not reduce metal exposure and oxidative damage. Therefore, we infer that hazard identification for welders should be conducted.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in electroplating workers exposed to hexavalent chromium

This study evaluates levels of biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in 105 male workers at 16 electroplating companies who had been exposed to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The study participants were 230 non-smoking male workers, comprising 105 electroplating workers who had been exposed to chromium and 125 control subjects who performed office tasks. Personal air samples, spot urine samples, hair samples, fingernail samples and questionnaires were used to quantify exposure to Cr(VI), oxidative DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and environmental pollutants. Both the geometric mean personal concentrations of Cr(VI) of the Cr-exposed workers and the total Cr concentrations in the air to which they were exposed significantly exceeded those for the control subjects. The geometric mean concentrations of Cr in urine, hair and fingernails, and the urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the Cr(VI) exposed workers exceeded those in the control subjects. Daily cumulative Cr(VI) exposure and urinary Cr were significantly correlated with urinary 8-OHdG levels following adjustments for covariates. A ten-fold increase in urinary Cr level was associated with a 1.73-fold increase in urinary 8-OHdG level. Daily cumulative Cr(VI) exposure and urinary Cr level were significantly correlated with urinary MDA level following adjustments for covariates. A ten-fold increase in urinary Cr was associated with a 1.45-fold increase in urinary MDA. Exposure to Cr(VI) increased oxidative DNA injury and the oxidative deterioration of lipids in electroplating workers.

Dose-response relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in a Chinese general population

Association of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with increased urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) formation has been reported in occupational population and children. However, studies on the association between them in general population are limited. A total of 1864 eligible subjects from the baseline Wuhan participants of the Wuhan-Zhuhai Cohort Study (n = 3053) were included in this study, after excluding individuals with certain disease and missing data on urinary monohydroxy PAHs (OH-PAHs) and 8-OHdG levels. Urinary monohydroxy PAHs and 8-OHdG levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection, respectively. Association of urinary OH-PAHs with urinary 8-OHdG was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. We found a dose-dependent relationship between urinary PAHs metabolites and urinary 8-OHdG (p < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, more evidence for the association of total concentrations of urinary OH-PAHs with 8-OHdG levels were observed in individuals with normal body mass index or central obesity (p < 0.01 for all). There was a dose-dependent relationship between urinary OH-PAHs levels and urinary 8-OHdG levels among a general Chinese population. Exposure to background PAHs may have a greater influence on urinary 8-OHdG levels in individuals with central obesity.

Preventing, treating, and predicting barbering: A fundamental role for biomarkers of oxidative stress in a mouse model of Trichotillomania

Barbering, where a “barber” mouse plucks hair from its cagemates or itself, is both a spontaneously occurring abnormal behavior in mice and a well validated model of Trichotillomania (TTM). N-Acetylcysteine, (NAC) a cysteine derived food additive, is remarkably effective in treating TTM patients, but its mechanism of action is unknown. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), also known as free radicals, form as a natural byproduct of the normal metabolism of oxygen. Under normal circumstances, cells are able to defend themselves against ROS damage with antioxidant pathways. NAC is the precursor to the main antioxidant produced to defend the brain. Therefore, we hypothesized that barbering is a disease of oxidative stress, whereby ROS and/or a failure of antioxidant defenses leads to neuronal damage that induces barbering in susceptible animals. We tested this hypothesis in 32 female C57BL/6J mice by treating half with 1g/kg BW/day of NAC in their diet, and testing for protection against developing barbering behavior and curing of barbering behavior, and simultaneously testing for a panel of biomarkers of oxidative stress. NAC reduced the chance that mice would be barbers, and this effect did not differ between healthy (i.e. prevention) and affected animals (i.e. cure). Barbering animals had elevated urinary antioxidant capacity, indicative of oxidative stress, at all timepoints. Additionally, after treatment the risk of barbering increased with decreasing hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and with increasing glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, further indicating that barbering mice were under oxidative stress regardless of treatment with NAC. We did not find compelling evidence that urinary total antioxidant capacity, or urinary 8-OHdG, could predict response to NAC treatment. We conclude that NAC is effective in preventing and/or curing barbering at least in part by promoting GSH synthesis, thereby preventing oxidative damage.

Short-term markers of DNA damage among roofers who work with hot asphalt

BACKGROUND

Roofers are at increased risk for various malignancies and their occupational exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been considered as important risk factors. The overall goal of this project was to investigate the usefulness of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) as a short-term biomarker of DNA damage among roofers.

METHODS

Blood, urine, and dermal wipe samples were collected from 20 roofers who work with hot asphalt before and after 6 h of work on Monday and Thursday of the same week (4 sampling periods). Particle-bound and gas-phase PAHs were collected using personal monitors during work hours. γH2AX was quantified in peripheral lymphocytes using flow cytometry and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was assessed in urine using ELISA. General linear mixed models were used to evaluate associations between DNA damage and possible predictors (such as sampling period, exposure levels, work- and life-style factors). Differences in mean biomarker and DNA damage levels were tested via ANOVA contrasts.

RESULTS

Exposure measurements did not show an association with any of the urinary biomarkers or the measures of DNA damage. Naphthalene was the most abundant PAH in gas-phase, while benzo(e)pyrene was the most abundant particle-bound PAH. Post-shift levels of γH2AX and 8-OHdG were higher on both study days, when compared to pre-shift levels. Cigarette smoking was a predictor of γH2AX and urinary creatinine was a predictor of urinary 8-OHdG. Between-subject variance to total variance ratio was 35.3 % for γH2ax and 4.8 % for 8-OHdG.

CONCLUSION

γH2AX is a promising biomarker of DNA damage in occupational epidemiology studies. It has a lower within-subject variation than urinary 8-OHdG and can easily be detected in large scale groups. Future studies that explore the kinetics of H2AX phosphorylation in relation to chemical exposures may reveal the transient and persistent nature of this sensitive biomarker of early DNA damage.

Physicochemistry and cardiovascular toxicity of metal fume PM2.5: a study of human coronary artery endothelial cells and welding workers

Occupational exposure to welding fumes causes a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease; however, the association remains unclear. To clarify the possible association, exposure assessment of metal fumes with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 μm (PM_2.5) in welding and office areas was characterized in a shipyard in Taiwan. Cardiovascular toxicity caused by PM_2.5 was determined in workers (in both the welding and office areas). Significant amounts of bimodal metal fume particles with count median diameters (CMDs) of 14.1~15.1 and 126.3~135.8 nm were produced in the shipyard. Metal fume PM_2.5 resulted in decreased cell viability and increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), interleukin (IL)-6, and nitric oxide (NO) in human coronary artery epithelial cells (HCAECs). We recruited 118 welding workers and 45 office workers for a personal PM_2.5 exposure assessment and determination of urinary levels of 8-OHdG, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), and various metals. We observed that a 10-μg/m³ increase in the mean PM_2.5 concentration was associated with a 2.15% increase in 8-OHdG and an 8.43% increase in 8-iso-PGF2α in welding workers. Both 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α were associated with Fe and Zn in the urine. In conclusion, metal fume PM_2.5 could increase the risk of cardiovascular toxicity after inhalation.

Dose-response relationships of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and oxidative damage to DNA and lipid in coke oven workers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to induce reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, but the dose-response relationships between exposure to PAHs and oxidative stress levels have not been established. In this study, we recruited 1333 male coke oven workers, monitored the levels of environmental PAHs, and measured internal PAH exposure biomarkers including 12 urinary PAH metabolites and plasma benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydotetrol-albumin (BPDE-Alb) adducts, as well as the two oxidative biomarkers urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). We found that the total concentration of urinary PAH metabolites and plasma BPDE-Alb adducts were both significantly associated with increased 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α in both smokers and nonsmokers (all p < 0.05). This exposure-response effect was also observed for most PAH metabolites (all p(trend) < 0.01), except for 4-hydroxyphenanthrene and 8-OHdG (p(trend) = 0.108). Furthermore, it was shown that only urinary 1-hydroxypyrene has a significant positive association with both 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α after a Bonferroni correction (p < 0.005). Our results indicated that urinary ΣOH-PAHs and plasma BPDE-Alb adducts can result in significant dose-related increases in oxidative damage to DNA and lipids. Furthermore, when a multianalyte method is unavailable, our findings demonstrate that urinary 1-hydroxypyrene is a useful biomarker for evaluating total PAHs exposure and assessing oxidative damage in coke oven workers.

Lymphocyte DNA damage in Turkish asphalt workers detected by the comet assay

Asphalt has a highly complex structure and it contains several organic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic compounds. In this study, comet assay was used to detect the DNA damage in blood lymphocytes of 30 workers exposed to asphalt fumes and 30 nonexposed controls. This is the first report on Turkish asphalt workers' investigated DNA damage using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). The DNA damage was evaluated by the percentage of DNA in the comet tail (% tail DNA) for each cell. According to our results, workers exposed to asphalt fumes had higher DNA damage than the control group (p < 0.01). The present study showed that asphalt fumes caused a significant increase in DNA damage and the comet assay is a suitable method for determining DNA damage in asphalt workers.

Biomarkers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and DNA damage: a cross-sectional pilot study among roofers in South Florida

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of this pilot study was to assess the technical and logistic feasibility of a future study. The research hypothesis is that occupational exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are associated with increased risk of DNA damage among roofers who work with hot asphalt.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional pilot study.

SETTING

The study included roofers from four different construction sites in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

PARTICIPANTS

19 roofers were recruited (six Hispanics and 13 African-Americans, all male), all of whom were eligible (no history of cancer and no history of chronic diseases of kidneys or liver). All participants provided pre-shift samples and 18 provided post-shift samples. Samples of one participant were excluded from the final analyses as they were considered unreliable.

RESULTS

Levels of urinary PAH metabolites increased during 6 h of work. Linear regression models of post-shift metabolites included their pre-shift levels, post-shift urinary creatinine levels (for models of 1-OHPyr and 9-OHPhe), and skin burn due to contact with hot asphalt (for models of 1-OHPyr and 1-OHNap). Pre-shift levels of urinary 8-OHdG were not associated with any of the variables considered. For post-shift levels of 8-OHdG, however, post-shift 1-OHPyr (95% CI 0.091 to 0.788) and use of protective gloves (95% CI -1.57 to -0.61) during work explained 86.8% of its variation. Overall, highest levels of urinary PAH metabolites and of 8-OHdG were observed among workers who reported having skin burn and who did not use gloves during work.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary 1-OHPyr is a promising predictor of oxidative DNA damage among roofers. Work-related skin burn and use of protective gloves appear to influence PAH exposure and DNA damage levels in this group, suggesting the importance of dermal absorption.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress and its association with the urinary reducing capacity in bus maintenance workers

BACKGROUND

Exposure to particles (PM) induces adverse health effects (cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases). A key-role in these adverse effects seems to be played by oxidative stress, which is an excess of reactive oxygen species relative to the amount of reducing species (including antioxidants), the first line of defense against reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to document the oxidative stress caused by exposure to respirable particles in vivo, and to test whether exposed workers presented changes in their urinary levels for reducing species.

METHODS

Bus depot workers (n = 32) exposed to particles and pollutants (respirable PM4, organic and elemental carbon, particulate metal content, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, NOx, O3) were surveyed over two consecutive days. We collected urine samples before and after each shift, and quantified an oxidative stress biomarker (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine), the reducing capacity and a biomarker of PAH exposure (1-hydroxypyrene). We used a linear mixed model to test for associations between the oxidative stress status of the workers and their particle exposure as well as with their urinary level of reducing species.

RESULTS

Workers were exposed to low levels of respirable PM4 (range 25-71 μg/m3). However, urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine increased significantly within each shift and between both days for non-smokers. The between-day increase was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with the concentrations of organic carbon, NOx, and the particulate copper content. The within-shift increase in 8OHdG was highly correlated to an increase of the urinary reducing capacity (Spearman ρ = 0.59, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm that exposure to components associated to respirable particulate matter causes a systemic oxidative stress, as measured with the urinary 8OHdG. The strong association observed between urinary 8OHdG with the reducing capacity is suggestive of protective or other mechanisms, including circadian effects. Additional investigations should be performed to understand these observations.

Personal exposure to particulate PAHs and anthraquinone and oxidative DNA damages in humans

Recent studies suggest that DNA oxidative damage be related to the chemical constituents of ambient particles. The purpose of this study was to examine whether particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and quinone-structure chemicals increase body burden of oxidative stress in human exposed to heavy traffic volume. We recruited two nonsmoking security guards who worked at a university campus gate near a heavily trafficked road. Each subject wore a personal air sampler for 24h per day to estimate exposures to 24 PAHs and anthraquinone (AnQ) in PM(2.5). Daily pre- and post-work shift spot urines were collected for 29d from each subject. Urine samples were analyzed for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Additionally, using 19 organic tracers other than 24 PAHs and AnQ, a receptor source apportionment model of chemical mass balance was applied to determine the contributions of sources on the PM: gasoline vehicle, diesel vehicle, coal burning, vegetable debris, cooking, natural gas and biomass burning. The relationship among urinary 8-OHdG, individual PAH, and AnQ was demonstrated as follows: the average urinary concentration of 8-OHdG was increased more than three times after 8-h work-shift than those before the work shift. All the 24 PAH and AnQ levels were positively and significantly associated with the post-work urinary 8-OHdG. The results from source apportionment suggest vehicular emission to be the dominant source of personal exposure to PM(2.5). Our finding indicates that personal air exposures to 24 individual PAHs and AnQ originating from traffic emissions are important in increasing oxidative burdens in human body.

Oxidative damage to biological macromolecules in Prague bus drivers and garagemen: impact of air pollution and genetic polymorphisms

DNA integrity was investigated in the lymphocytes of 50 bus drivers, 20 garagemen and 50 controls using the comet assay with excision repair enzymes. In parallel, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine and 15-F(2t)-isoprostane levels in the urine and protein carbonyl levels in the plasma were assessed as markers of oxidative damage to DNA, lipids and proteins. Exposure to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cPAHs) and volatile compounds was measured by personal samplers for 48 and 24h, respectively, before the collection of biological specimens. Both exposed groups exhibited a higher levels of DNA instability and oxidative damage to biological macromolecules than the controls. The incidence of oxidized lesions in lymphocyte DNA, but not the urinary levels of 8-oxodG, correlated with exposure to benzene and triglycerides increased this damage. Oxidative damage to lipids and proteins was associated with exposure to cPAHs and the lipid peroxidation levels positively correlated with age and LDL cholesterol, and negatively with vitamin C. The carriers of at least one variant hOGG1 (Cys) allele tended to higher oxidative damage to lymphocyte DNA than those with the wild genotype, while XPD23 (Gln/Gln) homozygotes were more susceptible to the induction of DNA strand breaks. In contrast, GSTM1 null variant seemed to protect DNA integrity.

Detection of DNA strand breaks by comet assay in sputum leucocytes of bitumen-exposed workers: A pilot study

DNA strand breaks were determined in leucocytes of induced sputum (IS) and compared with DNA strand breaks in blood lymphocytes from 42 bitumen-exposed workers pre and post shift. Comet assay results were expressed in arbitrary units based on visual scoring (sputum leucocytes) and Olive tail moment (OTM, blood lymphocytes). DNA damage in IS leucocytes was overall high but did not change during shift. Level of DNA strand breaks in IS samples correlated with total cell count and neutrophil content (Spearman rank correlation coefficient rs = 0.47, p = 0.001, rs= 0.48, p = 0.001, respectively) and with IL-8 concentration before and after shift (rs = 0.31, P = 0.048, and rs = 0.43, P = 0.005). DNA damage in IS was not associated with DNA strand breaks in blood lymphocytes (rs = —0.04, p = 0.802 before shift, rs = 0.27, p = 0.088 after shift). A higher level of DNA strand breaks was measured in blood lymphocytes before shift (median OTM 1.7 before and 1.3 after shift, p = 0.023). A strong correlation was found between the number of neutrophils and IL-8 concentration in IS before and after shift (rs = 0.77 and rs= 0.75, p < 0.001). This study showed an association between genotoxic and inflammatory effects in the lower airways and compared simultaneously DNA strand breaks in IS and blood of bitumen-exposed workers.

Association between fine particulate matter and oxidative DNA damage may be modified in individuals with hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between particulate matter (PM2.5) and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals.

METHODS

Twelve hypertensives and nine non-hypertensives were monitored during a 36-hour period using a repeated-measures panel study design. Personal exposure to PM2.5 was assessed using a real-time continuous monitor. Spot urine samples collected at 12-hour intervals were analyzed for 8-OHdG.

RESULTS

Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a decrease in 8-OHdG in hypertensives compared with an increase in non-hypertensives, after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and time of day.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest modification of the association between PM2.5 exposure and urinary 8-OHdG by hypertension status. Antioxidant activity present in antihypertensive medications may play a role or PM2.5 exposure may reduce the capacity to repair DNA damage in hypertensives. These results should be confirmed with further investigation.

Analysis of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine among workers exposed to diesel particulate exhaust: Comparison with urinary metabolites and PAH air monitoring

Oxidative DNA damage and repair, as measured by 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine and DNA samples were studied in association with work-related diesel exhaust exposure among garage and waste collection workers. Seasonal variations of the urinary 8-OHdG levels in pre- and two post-workshift urine samples of 29 exposed workers and 36 control persons were evaluated. The mean+/-SE levels of post-workshift 8-OHdG (mumol/mol crea) were 1.52+/-0.44 in winter and 1.61+/-0.33 in summer for the exposed workers, and 1.56+/-0.61 in winter and 1.43+/-0.49 in summer for the controls, respectively. No significant difference in the urinary 8-OHdG levels between exposed workers and control subjects in winter (p=0.923) and summer (p=0.350) was observed. A linear mixed model, adjusted for years of employment, age, ex/non-smoking and BMI, indicated no significant dose exposure-relationships between the urinary 8-OHdG and 15 PAH air concentrations nor between the 8-OHdG and 7 PAH monohydroxy-metabolites analyzed in the same workers. 8-OHdG was also analyzed in the mononuclear cell DNA of 19 exposed and 18 control subjects. The mean value of 8-OHdG/non-modified 2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG/105 dG+/-SE) were 4.89+/-0.17 for the exposed and 4.11+/-0.16 for the control persons, which showed no correlation with the urinary 8-OHdG levels (r=0.01, n=28, P=0.96). The PAH exposure at workplaces was mainly composed of volatile compounds, particularly naphthalene, suggesting low exposure through the respiratory tract and a low effect of PAH in ROS induction.

8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG): A critical biomarker of oxidative stress and carcinogenesis

There is extensive experimental evidence that oxidative damage permanently occurs to lipids of cellular membranes, proteins, and DNA. In nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) or 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) is one of the predominant forms of free radical-induced oxidative lesions, and has therefore been widely used as a biomarker for oxidative stress and carcinogenesis. Studies showed that urinary 8-OHdG is a good biomarker for risk assessment of various cancers and degenerative diseases. The most widely used method of quantitative analysis is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection (EC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and HPLC tandem mass spectrometry. In order to resolve the methodological problems encountered in measuring quantitatively 8-OHdG, the European Standards Committee for Oxidative DNA Damage was set up in 1997 to resolve the artifactual oxidation problems during the procedures of isolation and purification of oxidative DNA products. The biomarker 8-OHdG or 8-oxodG has been a pivotal marker for measuring the effect of endogenous oxidative damage to DNA and as a factor of initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis. The biomarker has been used to estimate the DNA damage in humans after exposure to cancer-causing agents, such as tobacco smoke, asbestos fibers, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In recent years, 8-OHdG has been used widely in many studies not only as a biomarker for the measurement of endogenous oxidative DNA damage but also as a risk factor for many diseases including cancer.

Urinary hydroxylated metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as biomarkers of exposure in asphalt workers

BACKGROUND

Fumes and vapours released during laying of hot asphalt mix have been recognised as a major source of exposure for asphalt workers.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the relationships between inhalation exposure to asphalt emissions and urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in asphalt workers (AW, n=75) and in ground construction workers (CW, n=37).

METHODS

Total polyaromatic compounds (PAC) and 15 priority PAHs in inhaled air were measured by personal sampling. Hydroxylated PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs) (2-naphthol, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene, 6-hydroxychrysene and 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene) were determined in urine spot samples collected in three different times during the work week.

RESULTS

Median vapour-phase PAC (5.5 microg m(-3)), PAHs (<or=50 ng m(-3)) and OH-PAHs (0.08-1.11 microg l(-1)) were significantly higher in AW than in CW, except in the cases of air naphthalene and 2-naphthol. Airborne levels of particle-phase contaminants were similar in the two groups and much lower than vapour-phase levels; metabolites of particulate PAHs were never found in quantifiable amounts. An appreciable increase in OH-PAH levels during the work day and work week was found in AW; median levels for 2-hydroxyfluorene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene and 1-hydroxypyrene were, respectively, 0.29, 0.08 and 0.18 at baseline; 0.50, 0.18 and 0.29, pre-shift; 1.11, 0.44 and 0.44 microg l(-1), post-shift. Each OH-PAH exhibited a characteristic profile of increase, reflecting differences in half-lives of the parent compounds. In non-smoking subjects, positive correlations were found between vapour-phase PAC or PAHs and OH-PAHs both in pre- and post-shift samples (0.34 <or= r<or=69). Smokers exhibited 2-5-fold higher OH-PAHs than non-smokers, at any time and at both workplaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that OH-PAHs are useful biomarkers for monitoring exposure to asphalt emissions. The work-related exposure to PAC and PAHs was low in all AW, but urinary metabolites reflected exposure satisfactorily.

Effect of Asphalt Fume Inhalation Exposure at Simulated Road Paving Conditions Prior to Bacterial Infection on Lung Defense Responses in Rats

Asphalt fume inhalation has been suspected of affecting immune function in exposed workers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of asphalt exposure on lung immune responses in rats using a bacterial infectivity model. Pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed by inhalation to asphalt fumes (72.6 +/- 4.95 mg/m3) or filtered air for 6 h/day for 5 days. One day after the final asphalt exposure, rats were intratracheally inoculated with 5 x 10(5) Listeria monocytogenes. At 0 (prior to bacterial inoculation), 3, and 7 days after L. monocytogenes instillation, the lungs of each animal were divided. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on right lungs. The recovered BAL cells were then differentiated and counted, and alveolar macrophage (AM) function was determined. Albumin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), two indices of lung injury, were measured in the acellular BAL fluid. To assess bacterial clearance, the left lungs were removed, homogenized, and bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted. In addition, lung-draining lymph nodes were removed, and lymphocyte phenotype and lymphocyte-induced cytokine production were examined. Asphalt fume exposure did not cause lung injury or inflammation in rats in the absence of infection. Infection induced elevations in AMs, neutrophils (PMNs), albumin, and LDH. Importantly, no significant differences were seen when comparing the asphalt group with the air and nonexposed naive groups at any time before or after infection. Also, asphalt fume inhalation exposure did not affect the rate of pulmonary clearance of L. monocytogenes or AM production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. However, asphalt-related increases in lymphocyte secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 were observed at different times after bacterial infection, whereas the total number of lymph-node cells and the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ cells were not significantly different among the treatment groups. Despite the asphalt-induced changes observed in lymphokine secretion, adaptive immune function seemed to function properly in lung defense against bacterial infection. Because innate nonspecific lung responses and pulmonary clearance of L. monocytogenes were unaffected by asphalt fume exposure, lung defenses were sufficient to control the infection. It was concluded that acute inhalation of asphalt fumes at a high concentration had a minimal effect on lung immune responses to infection in rats.

Genotoxic effects of fumes from asphalt modified with waste plastic and tall oil pitch

As the use of recycled materials and industrial by-products in asphalt mixtures is increasing, we investigated if recycled additives modify the genotoxicity of fumes emitted from asphalt. Fumes were generated in the laboratory at paving temperature from stone-mastic asphalt (SMA) and from SMA modified with waste plastic (90% polyethylene, 10% polypropylene) and tall oil pitch (SMA-WPT). In addition, fumes from SMA, SMA-WPT, asphalt concrete (AC), and AC modified with waste plastic and tall oil pitch (AC-WPT) were collected at paving sites. The genotoxicity of the fumes was studied by analysis of DNA damage (measured in the comet assay) and micronucleus formation in human bronchial epithelial BEAS 2B cells in vitro and by counting mutations in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and YG1024. DNA damage was also assessed in buccal leukocytes from road pavers before and after working with SMA, SMA-WPT, AC, and AC-WPT. The chemical composition of the emissions was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The SMA-WPT fume generated in the laboratory induced a clear increase in DNA damage in BEAS 2B cells without metabolic activation. The laboratory-generated SMA fume increased the frequency of micronucleated BEAS 2B cells without metabolic activation. None of the asphalt fumes collected at the paving sites produced DNA damage with or without metabolic activation. Fumes from SMA and SMA-WPT from the paving sites increased micronucleus frequency without metabolic activation. None of the asphalt fumes studied showed mutagenic activity in Salmonella. No statistically significant differences in DNA damage in buccal leukocytes were detected between the pre- and post-shift samples collected from the road pavers. However, a positive correlation was found between DNA damage and the urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) after work shift, which suggested an association between occupational exposures during road paving and genotoxic effects. Our results indicate that fumes from SMA and SMA-WPT contain direct-acting genotoxic components.

Seasonal variability of oxidative stress markers in city bus drivers. Part II. Oxidative damage to lipids and proteins

The aim of the present study was to investigate the seasonal variability of markers of oxidative damage to lipids (15-F2t-isoprostane, 15-F2t-IsoP) and proteins (protein carbonyl levels) in 50 bus drivers and 50 controls from Prague, Czech Republic, and to identify factors affecting oxidative stress markers. The samples were collected in three seasons with different levels of air pollution. The exposure to environmental pollutants (carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, c-PAHs, particulate matter, PM2.5 and PM10, and volatile organic compounds, VOC) was monitored by personal and/or stationary monitors. For the analysis of both markers, ELISA techniques were used. The median levels of individual markers in bus drivers versus controls were as follows: 15-F2t-IsoP (nmol/mmol creatinine): winter 2005, 0.81 versus 0.68 (p<0.01); summer 2006, 0.62 versus 0.60 (p=0.90); winter 2006, 0.76 versus 0.51 (p<0.001); carbonyl levels (nmol/ml plasma): winter 2005, 14.1 versus 12.9 (p=0.001); summer 2006, 17.5 versus 16.6 (p=0.26); winter 2006, 13.5 versus 11.7 (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified PM levels measured by stationary monitors over a period 25-27 days before urine collection as a factor positively associated with lipid peroxidation, while protein oxidation levels correlated negatively with both c-PAHs and PM levels. In conclusion, markers of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins were increased in bus drivers in winter seasons, but not in summer. Lipid peroxidation was positively correlated with c-PAHs and PM exposure; protein oxidation correlated negatively and was highest in summer suggesting another factor(s) affecting protein carbonyl levels.

Biological monitoring as a useful tool for the detection of a coal-tar contamination in bitumen-exposed workers

In our research project entitled "Chemical irritative and/or genotoxic effect of fumes of bitumen under high processing temperatures on the airways," 73 mastic asphalt workers exposed to fumes of bitumen and 49 construction nonexposed workers were analyzed and compared with respect to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and exposure-related health effects. In order to assess the internal exposure the monohydroxylated metabolites of pyrene, 1- hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), and phenanthrene, 1-, 2- and 9-, and 3- and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPH) were determined in pre- and post-shift urinary samples. Significantly higher concentrations 1-OHP and OHPH were detected in the post-shift urine samples of 7 mastic asphalt workers working on the same construction site compared to the reference workers and all other 66 mastic asphalt workers. The adjusted mean OHPH in the reference, 66 mastic worker, and 7 worker subgroups was 1022, 1544, and 12919 ng/g creatinine (crn) respectively, indicating a marked rise in the 7 worker subgroup. In addition, there was a more than 12-fold increase of PAH metabolites from pre- to post-shift in these 7 workers, whereas in the other mastic asphalt workers there was only a twofold rise in PAH-metabolite concentration between pre- and post-shift values. The analysis of a drilling core from the construction site of the seven workers led to the detection of the source for this marked PAH exposure during the working shift as being coal tar plates, which were, without knowledge of the workers and coordinators, the underground material of the mastic asphalt layer. The evaluation of the stationary workplace concentration showed enhanced levels of phenanthrene, pyrene, fluorene, anthracene, and acenaphthene during working shifts at the construction site of these seven workers. Our study shows that biological monitoring is also a useful tool for the detection of unrecognized sources with high PAH concentrations.

The relationship between biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon DNA adducts, antioxidant status and genetic susceptibility following exposure to environmental air pollution in humans

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) appear to be significant contributors to the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of air pollution present in the urban environment for humans. Populations exposed to environmental air pollution show increased levels of PAH DNA adducts and it has been postulated that another contributing cause of carcinogenicity by environmental air pollution may be the production of reactive oxygen species following oxidative stress leading to oxidative DNA damage. The antioxidant status as well as the genetic profile of an individual should in theory govern the amount of protection afforded against the deleterious effects associated with exposure to environmental air pollution. In this study we investigated the formation of total PAH (bulky) and B[a]P DNA adducts following exposure of individuals to environmental air pollution in three metropolitan cities and the effect on endogenously derived oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, the influence of antioxidant status (vitamin levels) and genetic susceptibility of individuals with regard to DNA damage was also investigated. There was no significant correlation for individuals between the levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and folate with M(1)dG and 8-oxodG adducts as well as M(1)dG adducts with total PAH (bulky) or B[a]P DNA adducts. The interesting finding from this study was the significant negative correlation between the level of 8-oxodG adducts and the level of total PAH (bulky) and B[a]P DNA adducts implying that the repair of oxidative DNA damage may be enhanced. This correlation was most significant for those individuals that were non smokers or those unexposed to environmental air pollution. Furthermore the significant inverse correlation between 8-oxodG and B[a]P DNA adducts was confined to individuals carrying the wild type genotype for both the GSTM1 and the GSTT1 gene (separately and interacting). This effect was not observed for individuals carrying the null variant.

Gaps in scientific knowledge about the carcinogenic potential of asphalt/bitumen fumes

Despite a relatively large body of published research, the potential carcinogenicity of asphalt/bitumen fumes is still a vexing question. Various uncertainties and gaps in scientific knowledge need to be addressed. These include uncertainties in chemistry, animal studies, and human studies. The chemistry of asphalt/bitumen fumes is complex and varies according to the source of the crude oil and the application parameters. The epidemiological studies, while showing weak evidence of lung cancer, are inconsistent and many confounding factors have not been addressed. Studies of animal exposure are also inconsistent regarding laboratory and field-generated fumes. There is a need for further human studies that address potential confounding factors such as smoking, diet, coal tar, and diesel exposures. Animal inhalation studies need to be conducted with asphalt/bitumen fumes that are chemically representative of roofing and paving fumes. Underlying all of this is the need for continued characterization of fumes so their use in animal and field studies can be properly assessed. Nonetheless, uncertainties such as these should not preclude appropriate public health actions to protect workers in the even that asphalt fumes are found to be a carcinogenic hazard.

Dermal exposure and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene among asphalt roofing workers

The primary objective of this study was to identify significant determinants of dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) among asphalt roofing workers and use urinary 1-hydroxyprene (1-OHP) measurements to evaluate the effect of dermal exposure on total absorbed dose. The study population included 26 asphalt roofing workers who performed three primary tasks: tearing off old roofs (tear-off), putting down new roofs (put-down), and operating the kettle at ground level (kettle). During multiple consecutive work shifts (90 workerdays), dermal patch samples were collected from the underside of each worker's wrists and were analyzed for PACs, pyrene, and benzo(a)pyrene (BAP). During the same work week, urine samples were collected at pre-shift, post-shift, and bedtime each day and were analyzed for 1-OHP (205 urine samples). Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate the dermal measurements for the purpose of identifying important determinants of exposure, and to evaluate urinary 1-OHP measurements for the purpose of identifying important determinants of total absorbed dose. Dermal exposures to PAC, pyrene, and BAP were found to vary significantly by roofing task (tear-off > put-down > kettle) and by the presence of an old coal tar pitch roof (pitch > no pitch). For each of the three analytes, the adjusted mean dermal exposures associated with tear-off (812 ng PAC/cm2, 14.9 ng pyrene/cm2, 4.5 ng BAP/cm2) were approximately four times higher than exposures associated with operating the kettle (181 ng PAC/cm2, 4.1 ng pyrene/cm2, 1.1 ng BAP/cm2). Exposure to coal tar pitch was associated with a 6-fold increase in PAC exposure (p = 0.0005), an 8-fold increase in pyrene exposure (p < 0.0001), and a 35-fold increase in BAP exposure (p < 0.0001). Similarly, urinary 1-OHP levels were found to be significantly higher on days when an old pitch roof was removed, accounting for a 3.7-fold difference at pre-shift (p = 0.01), a 5.0-fold difference at post-shift (p = 0.004), and a 7.2-fold difference at bedtime (p = 0.002). The pyrene measurements obtained during the work shift were found to be strongly correlated with urinary 1-OHP measurements obtained at the end of that shift (r = 0.8, p < 0.001) as well as at bedtime (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). Ultimately, the results of a distributed lag model indicated that dermal exposure during the preceding 40 hours had a statistically significant effect on urinary 1-OHP. The presence of coal tar pitch was the primary determinant of dermal exposure, particularly for exposure to BAP. However, the task-based differences that were observed while controlling for pitch suggest that exposure to asphalt also contributes to dermal exposures. We found that dermal exposure was a significant determinant of total absorbed dose, suggesting that control strategies aimed at reducing occupational exposure to PACs should include an effort to minimize dermal exposure.

Characterization of laboratory simulated road paving-like asphalt by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Prolonged, extensive exposure to asphalt fume has been associated with several adverse health effects. Inhaled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from asphalt fume exposure are of concern. The objective of this study was to characterize both qualitative and quantitative differences between fumes generated at 150 degrees C and 180 degrees C using a well-controlled laboratory road paving fume generation system. Fumes were characterized by total volatile and particulate concentration, simulated boiling point profile, and specific PAH content. The mean concentrations of the volatile fractions generated at 180 degrees C and 150 degrees C were 23.3 mg/m3 and 11.2 mg/m3, respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant shift in concentration. The mean concentrations of the particulate fractions generated at 180 degrees C and 150 degrees C were 42.4 mg/m3 and 28.0 mg/m3, respectively. The simulated boiling point profile did not show a significant qualitative difference between the fumes generated at the two temperatures. Naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and chrysene were identified and quantified from the fumes.

Irritative effects of fumes and aerosols of bitumen on the airways: results of a cross-shift study

Possible health hazards of fumes and aerosols of bitumen are in discussion, and data on their adverse effects on human airways under current exposure conditions are limited. To assess the irritative effects of exposure to fumes and aerosols of bitumen on the airways, a cross-sectional cross-shift study was conducted including external and internal exposure measurements, spirometry and especially non-invasive methods like nasal lavage collection and induction of sputum in order to identify and evaluate more precisely inflammatory process in the upper and lower airways. The cross-shift study comprised 74 mastic asphalt workers who were exposed to fumes and aerosols of bitumen and 49 construction workers without this exposure as reference group. Questionnaire, spirometry, ambient monitoring and urinary analysis were performed. Humoral and cellular parameters were measured in nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and induced sputum. For data analysis, a mixed linear model was performed on the different outcomes with exposure group, time of measurement (pre-, post-shift), current smoking, German nationality and age as fixed factors and subjects as random factor. Based on personal exposure measurements during shift, mastic asphalt workers were classified into a low (< or =10 mg/m(3); n = 46) and a high (>10 mg/m(3); n = 28) exposure group. High exposure was accompanied by significant higher urinary post-shift concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene and the sum of hydroxyphenanthrenes. Acute respiratory symptoms were reported more frequently in the high exposure group after shift. Significant cross-shift declines in lung function parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV(1) (% predicted)] and forced vital capacity [FVC (% predicted)]) were measured in mastic asphalt workers. Pre-shift FEV(1) (% predicted) and FVC (% predicted) were higher in the low exposure group. In pre- and post-shift NALF samples, interleukin (IL)-1beta-, IL-8- and total protein concentrations were lower in the low exposure group compared to the reference and the high exposure group. Pre- and post-shift neutrophil percentages in both nasal and sputum samples were also lower in the low exposure group. Significantly higher pre- and post-shift sputum concentrations of IL-8, IL-6, nitrogen oxide (NO) derivatives and total protein were detected especially in highly exposed workers. Irritative effects of exposure to fumes and aerosols of bitumen on the upper and lower airways were apparent, especially in mastic asphalt workers with exposure above 10 mg/m(3).

8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine as a marker of oxidative DNA damage related to occupational and environmental exposures

Oxidative DNA damage is considered to play an important role in pathophysiological processes, ageing and cancer. So far major interest has been on measuring 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), the preferred methods relying on HPLC or GC-mass spectrometry. The high biological relevance of 8-OHdG is due to its ability to induce G-->T transversions, which are among the most frequent somatic mutations found in human cancers. Effects of workplace exposures on the level of white blood cell 8-OHdG or urinary 8-OHdG have been reported with controversial results. Exposures examined include asbestos, azo-dyes, benzene, fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)), glassworks, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), rubber manufacturing, silica, metals, styrene, toluene and xylenes. The available data indicate that there is still a lack of well established dose-response relations between occupational or environmental exposures and the induction of 8-OHdG. Smoking has been most consistently identified as a confounder for 8-OHdG, but various occupational studies did not reveal higher levels of 8-OHdG in smokers. Despite the conflicting results, the reported studies show promise for 8-OHdG as a biomarker of oxidative stress associated with chemical exposure. However, there are critical aspects related to the analytical challenge, artifactual production of 8-OHdG, inter- and intra-individual variation, confounding factors and inter-laboratory differences, implying that further work is needed to reach a consensus on the background level of 8-OHdG.

Elevated levels of urinary 8-hydroxy-2 -deoxyguanosine, lymphocytic micronuclei, and serum glutathione S-transferase in workers exposed to coke oven emissions

To investigate associations among occupational exposure to coke oven emissions (COEs), oxidative stress, cytogenotoxic effects, change in the metabolizing enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST), and internal levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coke oven workers, we recruited 47 male coke oven workers and 31 male control subjects from a coke oven plant in northern China. We measured the levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 8-hydroxy-2 -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine, micronucleated binucleated cells (BNMNs) in peripheral blood lymphocyte, and GST in serum. Our results showed that the group exposed to COEs had significantly increased levels of 1-OHP [median 5.7; interquartile range (IQR), 1.4-12.0 micromol/mol creatinine] compared with the control group (3; 0.5-6.4 micromol/mol creatinine). In addition, the median levels (IQR) of 8-OHdG, BNMNs, and GST were markedly increased in the exposed [1.9 (1.4-15.4) micromol/mol creatinine; 6 (2-8) per thousand ; 22.1 (14.9-31.2) U/L, respectively] compared with controls [1.3 (1.0-4.0) micromol/mol creatinine, 2 (0-4) per thousand; and 13.1 (9.5-16.7) U/L, respectively]. These results appeared to be modified by smoking. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that exposure to COEs had the highest odds ratio among variables analyzed and that smoking was not a significant confounder of the levels of studied biomarkers. Overall, the present findings suggest that COE exposure led to increased internal PAH burden, genetic damage, oxidative stress, and GST activity. The consequences of the changes in these biomarkers, such as risk of cancer, warrant further investigations.

Assessment of DNA Damage in WBCs of Workers Occupationally Exposed to Fumes and Aerosols of Bitumen

We conducted a cross-shift study with 66 bitumen-exposed mastic asphalt workers and 49 construction workers without exposure to bitumen. Exposure was assessed using personal monitoring of airborne bitumen exposure, urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), and the sum of 1-, 2 + 9-,3-,4-hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPH). Genotoxic effects in WBC were determined with nonspecific DNA adduct levels of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) and the formation of DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites. Concentration of fumes and aerosols of bitumen correlated significantly with the concentrations of 1-OHP and OHPH after shift (r(s) = 0.27; P = 0.03 and r(s) = 0.55; P < 0.0001, respectively). Bitumen-exposed workers had more DNA strand breaks than the reference group (P < 0.0001) at both time points and a significant correlation with 1-OHP and OHPH in the postshift urines (r(s) = 0.32; P = 0.001 and r(s) = 0.27; P = 0.004, respectively). Paradoxically, we measured higher levels of DNA strand breaks, although not significant, in both study groups before shift. 8-OxodGuo adduct levels did not correlate with DNA strand breaks. Further, 8-oxodGuo levels were associated neither with personal exposure to bitumen nor with urinary metabolite concentrations. Significantly more DNA adducts were observed after shift not only in bitumen-exposed workers but also in the reference group. Only low-exposed workers had significantly elevated 8-oxodGuo adduct levels before as well as after shift (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.02, respectively). Our results show that exposure to fumes and aerosols of bitumen may contribute to an increased DNA damage assessed with strand breaks.