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Zhang K, Lan T, Bao W, Cui Q, Thorne PS. Blood Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds Among US Workers From Various Trades. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:458-466. [PMID: 36804870 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine blood benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and m-/p-xylene (BTEX) concentrations and their trends contrasting construction workers with workers in other occupations from 1999 to 2014 in the United States. Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, quantile regressions were performed to investigate associations between occupation and blood BTEX concentrations. Results: We found that high-risk and construction occupations were associated with increased blood concentrations of toluene, o-xylene, and m-/p-xylene at the 50-90th percentiles (P 50-90 ), and ethylbenzene at P 70-90 . Moreover, although blood concentrations of ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and m-/p-xylene trended down among all US workers, no decreasing trend was observed for benzene and toluene among construction workers. Conclusions: Future studies are warranted to address questions about specific tasks to better assess VOC exposure from various trades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunqi Zhang
- From the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland (K.Z., Q.C.); Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (T.L., P.S.T.); Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (W.B.); Human Toxicology Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (P.S.T.)
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The Effects of the Inhalant Toluene on Cognitive Function and Behavioral Flexibility: A Review of Recent Findings. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 5:100059. [PMID: 36798693 PMCID: PMC9928149 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized, in part, by lack of control over drug seeking and taking. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is highly involved in control of behavior and deficits in PFC structure and function have been demonstrated in clinical and preclinical studies of SUD. Of the various classes of drugs associated with the development of SUD, inhalants are among the least studied despite their widespread use among adolescents and children. In this work, we review what is currently known regarding the sites and mechanisms of action of inhalants with a focus on the volatile solvent toluene that is contained in a wide variety of legal and easily obtained products. We then describe how inhalants including toluene affect various behaviors with an emphasis on those associated with PFC function and how chronic use of inhalants alters brain structure and neuronal signaling. Findings from these studies highlight advances made in recent years that have expanded our understanding of the effects of inhalants on brain structure and reinforce the need for continued work in this field.
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Kim HH, Park GY, Lee JH. Concentrations of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, VOCs and risk assessment inside Korean taxis and ships. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:9619-9631. [PMID: 30729441 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the concentration distribution of indoor air pollutants in taxis and ships (passengers) which are frequently used for public transportation and recreational activities in South Korea. In addition, it aimed to assess air quality factors to establish and evaluate the health risks of exposure to polluted indoor air. Particulate matter (PM10) concentrations were not affected by the number of passengers, time of day, and driving characteristics because there were only a few passengers (2 to 4 people) and the space was confined. In the ships, indoor air pollutants responded more sensitively to the operation characteristics depending on the time of sailing (i.e., anchoring and departure, movement of vehicles on the ship, movement of passengers, combustion in the shop, and ventilation) than to the number of people boarding and alighting. The carbon dioxide concentrations in different ship rooms did not vary according to season and degree of congestion; however, there were differences between different ships. These differences may result from the size, type, and operating characteristics of the ships. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes in new taxis exceeded the standard levels during summer. VOC concentrations in ships were particularly high during summer when the outdoor temperature was high. Similar observations were made for other means of transportation. The risk assessment depended on the means of transportation and demonstrated that mortality risks due to PM10 and excess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from VOCs and aldehydes were within safety levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Hyun Kim
- Department of Information, Communication and Technology Convergence. ICT Environment Convergence, Pyeongtaek University, Pyeongtaek, 17869, South Korea.
| | - Gee-Young Park
- Korea Synthesis Pollution Institute of Testing Co., Ltd, Seoul, 08277, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hun Lee
- Life & Industry Environmental R&D center, Pyeongtaek University, Pyeongtaek, 17869, South Korea
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Blue–yellow dyschromatopsia in toluene-exposed workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 92:699-707. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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White KM, Sabatino JA, He M, Davis N, Tang N, Bearer CF. Toluene disruption of the functions of L1 cell adhesion molecule at concentrations associated with occupational exposures. Pediatr Res 2016; 80:145-50. [PMID: 27027721 PMCID: PMC4929035 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal toluene exposure can cause neurodevelopmental disabilities similar to fetal alcohol syndrome. Both share neuroanatomic pathologies similar to children with mutations in L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1). L1 mediates neurite outgrowth (NOG) via signaling through ERK1/2, which require trafficking of L1 through lipid rafts. Our objective is to determine if toluene inhibits L1-mediated NOG and toluene inhibits L1 signaling at concentrations achieved during occupational exposure. METHODS Concentrations of toluene reflective of blood concentrations achieved in solvent abusers and occupational settings are used. Cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) harvested from postnatal day 6 rat pups are plated on coverslips coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL) alone or PLL followed by laminin. L1 is added to the media of CGN plated on PLL alone. Toluene is added 2 h after plating. Cells are fixed at 24 h and neurite length is measured. ERK1/2 activation by L1 in CGN is analyzed by immunoblot. RESULTS Toluene significantly reduced mean neurite length of CGN exposed to L1 but not laminin. Toluene significantly reduced L1-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Results suggest that toluene inhibits L1-lipid raft interactions at occupationally relevant concentrations and may lead to a fetal solvent spectrum disorder similar to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M.R. White
- Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Julia A. Sabatino
- Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Min He
- Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natalie Davis
- Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ningfeng Tang
- Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Cynthia F Bearer
- Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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An Y, Tai Z, Qi Y, Yan X, Liu B, Xue Q, Pei J. Friction and wear properties of graphene oxide/ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene composites under the lubrication of deionized water and normal saline solution. J Appl Polym Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/app.39640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingfei An
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication; Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lanzhou 730000 China
- School of Stomatology; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Zhixin Tai
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication; Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Yuanyuan Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication; Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lanzhou 730000 China
- School of Stomatology; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Xingbin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication; Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Bin Liu
- School of Stomatology; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Qunji Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication; Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Jinying Pei
- School of Stomatology; Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an 710032 China
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Royland JE, Kodavanti PRS, Schmid JE, MacPhail RC. Toluene effects on gene expression in the hippocampus of young adult, middle-age, and senescent Brown Norway Rats. Toxicol Sci 2011; 126:193-212. [PMID: 22166486 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential susceptibility to environmental exposures across life stages is an area of toxicology about which little is known. We examined the effects of toluene on transcriptomic changes and oxidative stress (OS) parameters (e.g., NQO1 and GPX) in the rat brain at different life stages to elucidate key molecular pathways responsible for toluene-induced neurotoxicity, as well as possible age-related interactions. Changes in assessed end points following acute oral toluene (0, 0.65, and 1.0 g/kg) were examined 4 h after exposure in hippocampi of Brown Norway Rats at 4, 12, and 24 months of age. Genomic data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA to identify the effects of age, toluene, and interactions between the two factors. Analysis by one-way ANOVA identified 183 genes whose expression changed ≥ 1.25-fold with age. The majority of the genes were upregulated between life stages (> 79%). Similar analysis for toluene-related genes found only two sequences to vary significantly with dose. Fifty-six genes were identified to have expression changes due to an age-toluene interaction. Expression of genes with roles in immune response, cytoskeleton, protein, and energy metabolism was changed with advancing life stage, indicating changes in basic cellular homeostasis. Toluene affected similar cell functions, enhancing the effects of aging. OS parameters also indicated age-related changes in response mechanisms, evidence of toluene damage, and supported an age-toluene interaction. The data indicate that life stage can alter the toxicity of acute toluene exposure in various and complex ways, highlighting the need for further investigation into the role of aging in susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce E Royland
- Genetic and Cellular Toxicology Branch, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27711, USA.
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Changes in correlation coefficients of exposure markers as a function of intensity of occupational exposure to toluene. Toxicol Lett 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2008.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Ikeda M, Ukai H, Kawai T, Inoue O, Maejima Y, Fukui Y, Ohashi F, Okamoto S, Takada S, Sakurai H. Changes in correlation coefficients of exposure markers as a function of intensity of occupational exposure to toluene. Toxicol Lett 2008; 179:148-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Revised: 05/02/2008] [Accepted: 05/02/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Ducos P, Berode M, Francin JM, Arnoux C, Lefèvre C. Biological monitoring of exposure to solvents using the chemical itself in urine: application to toluene. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2007; 81:273-84. [PMID: 17605034 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-007-0210-3] [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: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biomonitoring of solvents using the unchanged substance in urine as exposure indicator is still relatively scarce due to some discrepancies between the results reported in the literature. Based on the assessment of toluene exposure, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of some steps likely to bias the results and to measure urinary toluene both in volunteers experimentally exposed and in workers of rotogravure factories. METHODS Static headspace was used for toluene analysis. o-Cresol was also measured for comparison. Urine collection, storage and conservation conditions were studied to evaluate possible loss or contamination of toluene in controlled situations applied to six volunteers in an exposure chamber according to four scenarios with exposure at stable levels from 10 to 50 ppm. Kinetics of elimination of toluene were determined over 24 h. A field study was then carried out in a total of 29 workers from two rotogravure printing facilities. RESULTS Potential contamination during urine collection in the field is confirmed to be a real problem but technical precautions for sampling, storage and analysis can be easily followed to control the situation. In the volunteers at rest, urinary toluene showed a rapid increase after 2 h with a steady level after about 3 h. At 47.1 ppm the mean cumulated excretion was about 0.005% of the amount of the toluene ventilated. Correlation between the toluene levels in air and in end of exposure urinary sample was excellent (r = 0.965). In the field study, the median personal exposure to toluene was 32 ppm (range 3.6-148). According to the correlations between environmental and biological monitoring data, the post-shift urinary toluene (r = 0.921) and o-cresol (r = 0.873) concentrations were, respectively, 75.6 microg/l and 0.76 mg/g creatinine for 50 ppm toluene personal exposure. The corresponding urinary toluene concentration before the next shift was 11 microg/l (r = 0.883). CONCLUSION Urinary toluene was shown once more time a very interesting surrogate to o-cresol and could be recommended as a biomarker of choice for solvent exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ducos
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Avenue de Bourgogne, 54501 Vandoeuvre Cedex, France.
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Schäper M, Demes P, Kiesswetter E, Zupanic M, Seeber A. Colour vision and occupational toluene exposure: results of repeated examinations. Toxicol Lett 2004; 151:193-202. [PMID: 15177654 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2004.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2003] [Revised: 01/05/2004] [Accepted: 01/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Potential effects of human occupational exposures to toluene on colour vision were investigated in a follow-up study over 4 years with three repeated examinations. Colour vision was measured with the Lanthony desaturated colour vision test D-15d, and the colour confusion index (CCI) was calculated. The mean current exposures were 26+/-21 ppm for printers (high toluene level) and 3+/-4 ppm for end-processors (low toluene level). The mean exposure durations were 23+/-6 years for "long-time exposed" and 7+/-2 years for "short-time exposed" subjects. Repeated analyses (n=162) and multiple regressions (maximum available n=267) did not reveal significant effects of toluene with respect to intensity or duration of current or long-term exposure. Age and occupational qualification were significantly associated with CCI in both kinds of analysis, whereas alcohol consumption (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, CDT) and smoking habits (cigarettes per day) were not. It is concluded that current industrial exposure limits of toluene provide sufficient protection against possible disturbance of colour vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schäper
- Institut für Arbeitsphysiologie an der Universität Dortmund, Ardeystr. 67, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany.
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Bråtveit M, Hollund BE, Moen BE. Reduced exposure to organic solvents by use of water-based paint systems in car repair shops. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2003; 77:31-8. [PMID: 14605898 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-003-0483-0] [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] [Received: 11/08/2002] [Accepted: 08/20/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine to what extent the substitution of solvent-based paint by water-based paint has reduced potential exposure to organic solvents for spray painters in car repair shops. METHODS Full-shift personal air sampling (n=79) was carried out over 3 consecutive days in eight car repair shops. Blood samples on the Monday morning (n=26) and at the end of the shift on the Wednesday (n=26), were analysed for organic solvents by headspace techniques. RESULTS Toluene was the organic solvent detected at the highest geometric mean concentration in air samples when solvent-based paint systems were used (0.8 ppm), whereas xylene was found at the highest level when water-based systems were used (0.25 ppm). Toluene, isopropanol, acetone and butyl acetate were detected at higher concentrations when solvent-based paint was used than when water-based paint was employed. The additive factor, based on Norwegian limit values, was three-times higher for the painters using solvent-based paint (0.15) than for those using water-based paint (0.05). On Wednesday after shift the geometric mean of toluene in blood was significantly higher for the painters using solvent-based paint (0.044 microg/ml) than for the painters using water-based paint (0.007 microg/ml). There was a significant correlation between toluene in personal air samples and toluene in blood samples taken at the end of the shift on the same day. CONCLUSIONS When solvent-based paint systems were used the additive factor for organic solvent exposure was three-times higher than when water-based systems were employed. The exposure levels of the organic solvents were well below the Norwegian limit values. The significant correlation between the toluene concentration in air and blood samples indicated that the uptake of organic solvents was correspondingly reduced. At the levels of organic solvents presently described the risk of acute and chronic health effects caused by organic solvents is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, Section for Occupational Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, 5018 Bergen, Norway.
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