Validation of urinary 1,2-dichloropropane concentration as a biological exposure index for workers exposed to 1,2-dichloropropane

Abstract

Background The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) as a human carcinogen in 2016. It is necessary to establish a health monitoring system for workers exposed to 1,2-DCP. We investigated the correlation between 1,2-DCP concentration in air and urine to determine whether it is appropriate to measure 1,2-DCP in urine as a biological exposure index (BEI). Methods Twenty-seven workers from 3 manufacturing industries handling 1,2-DCP participated in this study. Airborne 1,2-DCP was collected by personal air. Urine samples were collected at the end of work and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Correlation analysis and simple regression analysis were performed to investigate the relationship between 1,2-DCP concentration in urine and air. Results Pearson correlation coefficients between total 1,2-DCP in air and urine (uncorrected, creatinine-corrected) were 0.720 and 0.819, respectively. For urine samples analyzed within 2 weeks, the Spearman's rho of 1,2-DCP concentration in urine (uncorrected and creatinine-corrected) was 0.906 and 0.836, respectively. Simple regression analysis of 1,2-DCP in air and urinary 1,2-DCP concentrations within 2 weeks, which showed the highest correlation, revealed that the coefficient of determination of 1,2-DCP concentration in urine (uncorrected and creatinine-corrected) was 0.801 and 0.784, respectively. Conclusions As a BEI for workers exposed to 1,2-DCP, urinary 1,2-DCP without creatinine correction better reflects the exposure levels of 1,2-DCP in air.

Acute 1,2-Dichloropropane Poisoning due to Ingestion of Rubber Cement

“…However, there are no such data available for 1,2-DCP causing poisoning or death in humans and the distribution of 1,2-DCP in human tissues. Previous case reports and experimental studies have shown that CNS dysfunction is the main clinical manifestation of 1,2-DCP poisoning and may be accompanied by eye and respiratory irritation, liver and kidney dysfunction, hemolytic anemia, DIC, and skin allergy, with the degree of injury related to the exposure concentration 1,4 . Detailed data from previous 1,2-DCP poisoning cases and experimental exposure studies are provided in Tables 4 and 5.…”

“…1 1,2-Dichloropropane can damage the eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system (CNS), liver, kidney, and hematopoietic system. 1,[4][5][6] Several human cases and animal studies of 1,2-DCP poisoning have been reported. In human cases, 1,2-DCP-induced hemolytic anemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was first published in 1985.…”

“…Most cases of human 1,2-DCP poisoning involve accidental ingestion of detergents and solvents containing 1,2-DCP 1 . 1,2-Dichloropropane can damage the eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system (CNS), liver, kidney, and hematopoietic system 1,4–6 . Several human cases and animal studies of 1,2-DCP poisoning have been reported.…”