Exposure to fluorotrichloromethane (R-11)

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Fluorotrichloromethane (R-11) is an industrial solvent with potential occupational health risks.
• Understanding R-11 pharmacokinetics is crucial for assessing exposure and implementing safety measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify R-11 levels in various biological matrices (air, blood, urine) following controlled exposure.
• To determine the elimination kinetics and biological half-lives of R-11 in humans.
• To evaluate the most suitable parameter for biological monitoring of R-11 exposure.

Main Methods:

• Controlled exposure of three volunteers to fluorotrichloromethane (R-11).
• Measurement of R-11 concentrations in ambient air, alveolar air, blood, and urine.
• Analysis of pulmonary retention and R-11 elimination phases using biological half-life determination.

Main Results:

• Mean ambient R-11 concentration was 657 ml/m3, with 18.2% pulmonary retention.
• Average R-11 levels in alveolar air and blood were 537 ml/m3 and 2.8 mg/l, respectively.
• R-11 urine concentrations correlated with uptake; alveolar air R-11 is the preferred biological monitoring parameter.

Conclusions:

• Inter-individual variations in R-11 uptake and retention were minimal.
• R-11 exhibits biphasic elimination from blood and alveolar air with distinct half-lives.
• Alveolar air R-11 concentration is recommended as the most reliable parameter for biological monitoring in occupational settings.