Related Experiment Videos
Human exposure to volatile halogenated hydrocarbons from the general environment
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1986
Summary
This study measured volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHH) in human blood and urine, finding common exposure levels in normal subjects. These biological monitoring results establish normal limits for detecting excessive VHH exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Biomonitoring
Background:
- Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHH) are common environmental contaminants.
- Assessing human exposure to VHH is crucial for public health.
- Biological monitoring provides a direct measure of internal VHH dose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess individual human exposure to VHH under normal environmental conditions.
- To establish baseline levels of VHH and their metabolites in body fluids.
- To determine normal limits for VHH exposure detection.
Main Methods:
- Biological monitoring of VHH in blood samples from 39 healthy subjects.
- Measurement of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in serum and urine samples from 43 and 94 subjects, respectively.
- Analysis of chloroform, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene, and trichloroethylene in blood.
Main Results:
- VHH such as chloroform, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and tetrachloroethylene were detected in 60-95% of blood samples.
- Trichloroethylene was detected in 31% of blood samples.
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) was present in all serum and urine samples, indicating widespread exposure.
Conclusions:
- Normal subjects exhibit measurable levels of VHH and their metabolites.
- The established upper normal limits can aid in identifying excessive VHH exposure.
- Biological monitoring is an effective tool for assessing human exposure to environmental VHH.