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These results support the hypothesis of a causal relationship between high solvent exposure, which concerned 15% of the males in this study, and the development of GN with chronic renal failure.

Exposures to volatile nitrosamines were measured at 24 rubber manufacturing plants from 1992 to 1995. A total of 709 exposure measurements were taken in general areas or personal breathing zones to estimate exposure according to production types (seals, joints, tyres, gloves, etc.) and production steps, from mixing to storage. Five different nitrosamines were identified. N-Nitrosodimethylamine is the most frequently encountered nitrosamine and represents the most important fraction of the total nitrosamine concentration measured in a given sample. This fact is consistent with the use of rubber additives containing corresponding amine precursors. One hundred and forty-one of the 709 values exceeded the German target value (TRK) of 2.5 micrograms/m3 for all nitrosamines present from rubber vulcanisation, the only available standard for occupational nitrosamine exposures. The salt bath curing process generates particularly high nitrosamine levels, 90% of the 96 measurements being over the TRK, with many values exceeding 20 micrograms/m3. The reasons why the TRK is exceeded are generally well identified. To reduce nitrosamine emission levels it would be advisable to eliminate nitrogen oxide sources, principally by using a process other than salt bath curing, and to develop different rubber stocks that do not contain secondary aliphatic amine functional groups ("safe amines").

Diffusive sampling is particularly suited to determine time-weighted average volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration in occupational hygiene and environmental air monitoring. The purpose of this study was to measure the sampling rate variation of four different samplers in a special use--the exposure to a low concentration of volatile organic compound (10 to 200 ppb) for a long period (1 to 14 days). PerkinElmer tube-type adsorbent was packed with Tenax TA and RADIELLO cartridge packed with Carbograph 4. Badge-type activated carbon diffusive samplers 3M 3500 and GABIE were exposed to the same controlled atmospheres of benzene as meta-xylene (BTX) during the same exposure times. Performance samplers were observed for variability of uptake rates according to concentration levels, exposure duration, back diffusion, and competition phenomena at the adsorption sites. Particular benzene behavior has been noted for the thermally desorbable tube-type diffusive sampler: the measured sampling rates decrease with time following an exponential profile. With badge-type active charcoal diffusive samplers, the uptake rates were found to be highly stable and unaffected by time exposure. Overall, in the region of a few tens of ppb, for long-time exposure and for the lightest compounds, 3M 3500 and GABIE diffusive samplers seem the most appropriate diffusive sampling technique in terms of performance and facility in use.

Objectives:It has been shown that all-solvent exposure is associated with the progression of primary glomerulonephritis to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but little is known about the type of solvents that are high risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of solvents by occupation, product and type.Methods:Using a retrospective cohort design, the authors studied 269 patients with non-end-stage and biopsy-proven primary glomerulonephritis diagnosed between 1994 and 2001 in Paris and its suburbs. Two industrial hygienists evaluated patients’ exposures from lifetime occupational histories collected by interview from 2002–4, and using a list of the 30 most common solvents. The studied outcome was ESRD, defined as glomerular filtration rate <15 ml/mn/1.73 m2or dialysis. It was recorded during a mean follow-up of five years. Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of ESRD related to exposures.Results:Eighteen per cent of the patients had ever been exposed to solvents. Those with the highest risk of progression to ESRD were exposed machinery fitters and machine assemblers (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 17.4) and plumbers/welders (HR 4.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 13.6), as compared to never exposed patients, as well as those who ever handled printing inks and petroleum products (HR 12.6 (95% CI 1.7 to 94.9) and 3.2 (95% CI 1.4 to 7.2), respectively). Among solvents, the highest risks were found for: toluene/xylene (HR 5.1, 95% CI 1.8 to 14.8), gasoline, fuel and gas-oil (HR 8.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 27.4), and ketones (HR 13.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 123.5).Conclusion:This study highlights the potential nephrotoxicity of several solvents. Intervention to promote screening for proteinuria in exposed workers may prevent the progression of glomerulonephritis to ESRD.