In a lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane = gamma-benzenehexachloride)-producing factor 57 workers were studied with regard to their blood levels of the three hexachlorocyclohexane isomers: alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HCH. The TLV-TWA (MAK value 1979) for gamma-HCH of 0.5 mg/m3 was not exceeded at any of the workplaces where HCH is synthesized and purified to lindane. Additionally, in some of the workers samples of s.c. adipose tissue were taken for determination of HCH-isomer content. An external group of 20 clerks was examined in the same way for control purposes. In contrast to the control persons, none of whom had HCH-concentrations in serum above the respective detection limits, the values determined in serum of the exposed workers were in the following ranges: alpha-HCH: 10-273 microgram/1, beta-HCH: 17-760 microgram/l, and gamma-HCH: 5-188 microgram/1. Of special interest is the observation of a significant increase of beta-HCH-concentration in serum with the time of employment in lindane production, indicating a pronounced accumulation of this substance in the human organism. Concentrations of this isomer in s.c. adipose tissues were about 300-fold higher than in serum. A significant correlation between both parameters could be established. The results of this study show that adherence to the TLV-TWA of gamma-HCH is not sufficient for control of HCH-exposure. Furthermore, biological monitoring of exposed workers is necessary taking into account the three more important isomers alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HCH.
In order to measure the absolute ventricular volumes in ml we developed a method using the numerical prints of CT (EMI, CT 1000) on which--by comparing with corresponding Polaroid photos--the margin between brain tissue and ventricles was drawn. For further evaluation, a curve digitizer and a digital computer were used. In 51 patients without any abnormal findings in CT, we studied the volume of single ventricles. The mean value of the whole ventricular system was 30.9 +/- 5.7 ml. Reproducibility by this method is within a range of 5%.
In a lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane)-producing factory 54 male workers (mean age 40 years, mean duration of exposure 8 years) were studied with regard to their blood levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH. Twenty clerks of nearly the same age were examined for control purposes in the same way. Serum-LH concentrations of the exposed workers were significantly higher than in controls. Geometric mean values were 8.8 mIU/ml and 5.7 mIU/ml respectively. On the other hand, FSH levels were insignificantly higher. Concerning testosterone concentrations in serum, these were found to be slightly lower in the group of workers than in control persons but this difference could not be proved to be statistically significant. These results indicate certain perturbations in sex hormone regulation probably as a consequence of HCH-exposure. To judge the pathological significance of these alterations further investigation will be necessary.
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