Urinary monitoring for diethylstilbestrol in male chemical workers

Between 1969 and 1972 diethylstilbestrol (DES) accounted for 25 instances of breast tenderness and enlargement in male chemical workers in a DES production area of a large chemical plant. A gas chromatographic analysis for urinary DES was performed at three spaced intervals over a 90-day work span. All full-time workers who wore air suits when necessary developed increasing levels of DES upon increasing days of exposure. At a certain range of excretion (40 micrograms/ml/24 hours) two workers became symptomatic. DES was also detected in one helper and in two individuals not directly connected with the area of known exposure. Although no federal standard for DES exists, the following evidence points to the actuality of hazardous levels of exposure: (1) there had been a persistent history of DES reactions year after year; (2) high urine levels and adverse reactions were found in workers participating in the medical studies of this evaluation; and (3) there was widespread DES contamination of buildings and equipment, extending as far away as the lunchroom in a separate building.