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Ethylene oxide doses in ethene-exposed fruit store workers
M A Törnqvist1, J G Almberg, E N Bergmark
1Department of Radiobiology, University of Stockholm, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Ethene exposure in fruit store workers leads to harmful ethylene oxide metabolites in the blood. This study shows a significant increase in hemoglobin adducts, indicating a metabolic conversion in humans.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ethene is a common industrial chemical with potential health risks.
- Understanding ethene metabolism is crucial for assessing occupational exposure risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic conversion of ethene to ethylene oxide in humans.
- To quantify the adduct levels in occupationally exposed workers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood samples from ethene-exposed workers and a control group.
- Measurement of hydroxyethyl adducts to N-terminal valine in hemoglobin (Hb).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in Hb adducts was observed in non-smoking workers compared to non-smoking referents.
- Ethene exposure at 0.3 ppm increased adduct levels by 23 pmol/g Hb.
- This suggests a 3% metabolic conversion of inhaled ethene to ethylene oxide.
Conclusions:
- Ethene is metabolized to ethylene oxide in humans.
- Occupational exposure to ethene can lead to measurable biomarkers of exposure.
- This study provides a basis for biomonitoring ethene exposure.