Study on kidney function in female workers exposed to perchlorethylene

1. Biochemical markers of kidney damage were examined in 16 female workers chronically exposed to tetrachlorethylene (TCE) in five dry-cleaning shops. The results were compared with those obtained in 13 females non-occupationally exposed to organic solvents. 2. The intensity of exposure was monitored by personal environmental monitoring. The time-weighed average exposure to TCE amounted to 157 mg m-3 (range 9-799 mg m-3). A satisfactory agreement was found between the concentration of TCE in ambient air sampled with the charcoal tube method and with a passive dosimeter. 3. The urinary excretion of lysozyme was increased in the exposed group. No difference was found in the urinary excretion of albumin, beta 2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase, total proteins or glucose. The prevalence of abnormal values of biochemical parameters in the exposed group did not differ from that observed in the control group. No correlation was found between the level of TCE exposure and biochemical parameters. 4. The present study suggests that chronic exposure to TCE does not lead to renal damage.