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Republication or reproduction of this report or its storage and/or dissemination by electronic means is permitted without the need for formal IUPAC permission on condition that an acknowledgment, with full reference to the source, along with use of the copyright symbol ©, the name IUPAC, and the year of publication, are prominently visible. Publication of a translation into another language is subject to the additional condition of prior approval from the relevant IUPAC (1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000) was as follows:Chairman: J. H. Duffus (UK, 1998(UK, -2000; R. Cornelis (Belgium, 1993(Belgium, -1997; Secretary: D. M. Templeton (Canada, 2000), B. Heinzow (Germany, 1993(Germany, -1999; Titular Members: J. M. Christensen (Denmark, 1993(Denmark, -2000; R. HeinrichRamm (Germany, 1998(Germany, -2000; M. Jakubowski (Poland, 1993(Poland, -1997; R. P. Nolan (USA, 1998(USA, -2000; M. Nordberg (Sweden,2000); E. Olsen (Denmark, 2000); Associate Members: I. Dési (Hungary, 1996(Hungary, -2000; O. Hertel (Denmark, 1998(Denmark, -2000; A. Lamberty (Belgium, 1993(Belgium, -1997; J. K. Ludwicki (Poland, 1998(Poland, -2000; L. Nagymajényi (Hungary, 2000); D. Rutherford (Australia, 1993(Australia, -1999; E. Sabbioni (Italy, 1996(Italy, -2000; P. A. Schulte (USA, 1996(USA, -1999; K. T. Suzuki (Japan, 1998(Japan, -2000; W. A. Temple (New Zealand, 1996; M. Vahter (Sweden, 1993(Sweden, -1999; National Representatives: Z. Bardodej (Czech Republic, 1996; W. King (Ireland, 1993(Ireland, -1997; J. Park (Korea, 1998(Korea, -1999; F. J. R. Paumgartten (Brazil, 1996(Brazil, -2000; I. S. Pratt (Ireland, 2000); V. Ravindranath (India, 1996(India, -2000; M. Repetto Jimenez (Spain, 1993(Spain, -1999; Zeliha Imra (Turkey, 1993(Turkey, -1997 Abstract: This paper deals with the appropriate application of biological monitoring (BM) for exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sampling guidelines, approved analytical procedures, quality control systems, detailed aspects for the interpretation of biomonitoring data, a compilation of international biological action values for VOC exposure at the workplace (e.g., BAT, BEI ® ), and state of the art reference values are outlined or referred to in this review for recommendation as guidelines for health professionals in occupational and environmental settings.VOCs are frequently encountered at the workplace, in daily routines and widely used consumer products. They cover a broad spectrum of chemical classes with different physicochemical and biological properties. Inhalation is a prominent route of exposure due to their volatility but many VOCs can quite readily be absorbed through the skin. BM allows assessment of the integrated exposure by different routes including inhalation and concomitant dermal and oral uptake-a helpful tool for relating exposure to body burden and possible health effects. Because of the different toxicological profiles of VOCs, no uniform approach for BM can be recommended. VOCs in blood and urinary VOC metabolites are most often ap...

Objectives-Gemstone cutters are potentially exposed to various carcinogenic and fibrogenic metals such as chromium, nickel, aluminium, and beryllium, as well as to lead. Increased beryllium concentrations had been reported in the air of workplaces of beryl cutters in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. The aim of the survey was to study the excretion of beryllium in cutters and grinders with occupational exposure to beryls-for example, aquamarines and emeralds-to examine the prevalence of beryllium sensitisation with the beryllium lymphocyte transformation test (BeLT), to examine the prevalence of lung disease induced by beryllium, to describe the internal load of the respective metals relative to work process, and to screen for genotoxic eVects in this particular profession. Methods-In a cross sectional investigation, 57 out of 100 gemstone cutters working in 12 factories in Idar-Oberstein with occupational exposure to beryls underwent medical examinations, a chest radiograph, lung function testing (spirometry, airway resistance with the interrupter technique), and biological monitoring, including measurements of aluminium, chromium, and nickel in urine as well as lead in blood. Beryllium in urine was measured with a newly developed direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy technique with a measurement limit of 0.06 µg/l. Also, cytogenetic tests (rates of micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange), and a BeLT were performed. Airborne concentrations of beryllium were measured in three factories. As no adequate local control group was available, the cutters were categorised into those with an exposure to beryls of >4 hours/week (group A) and <4 hours/week (group B). Results-Clinical, radiological, or spirometric abnormalities indicating pneumoconiosis were detected in none of the gemstone cutters. Metal concentrations in biological material were far below the respective biological limit values, and beryllium in urine was only measurable in subjects of group A. Cytogenetic investigations showed normal values which were independent of the duration of beryllium exposure. In one subject, the BeLT was positive. Beryllium stimulation indices were significantly higher in subjects with detectable beryllium in the urine than in those with beryllium concentrations below the detection limit (p<0.05). In one factory, two out of four measurements of airborne beryllium concentrations were well above the German threshold limit value of 2 µg/m 3 (twofold and 10-fold), and all gemstone cutters working in this factory had measurable beryllium concentrations in urine. Conclusion-No adverse clinical health eVects were found in this cross sectional investigation of gemstone cutters working with beryls. However, an improvement in workplace hygiene is recommended, accompanied by biological monitoring of beryllium in urine.

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