Polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxin and dibenzofuran levels and patterns in polyvinylchloride and chloralkali industry workers

Abstract

The production of chlorine and vinyl chloride (VCM) is associated with the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The objective of the present study was to determine whether the levels and congener patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs in the blood of workers involved in the production of such substances could be related to their occupational environment. PCDD and PCDF levels in blood plasma from VCM and chloralkali workers and in referents were determined by means of high-resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) techniques and the results were evaluated through principal component analysis (PCA). The overall levels of PCDDs and PCDFs were low, but the relative congener distribution detected in the workers differed from that found in the referents. 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8- and 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDFs are congeners related to work in VCM and chloralkali industries. Exposure to PCDDs and PCDFs in these industrial environments changes the congener-distribution pattern in the blood of workers as compared with referents. A combination of isomer-specific analysis of PCDDs and PCDFs in blood plasma and PCA is suitable for the differentiation between nonoccupational and occupational exposure and provides a means of assessing workers' exposure situation in different occupational settings.

Biological monitoring of metals and organic substances in hazardous-waste incineration workers

“…The production of metallic magnesium is another type of process in which substantial amounts of PCDDs and PCDFs are formed. This is reflected in the congener pattern detected in blood plasma from workers in these plants, where elevated levels of primarily PCDFs were found (Hansson et al 1997). Therefore, the specific study of the different PCDD/F congeners can give information which helps to distinguish between nonoccupational and occupational exposures.…”

“…The congener 2,3,7,8-TCDD seemed to be increased in people exposed to phenoxy-herbicides (Heederik et al 1998), while the congeners 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 2,3,7, 8-TCDF were increased in pulp-bleaching workers (Schecter et al 1991). In turn, the congeners 1,2, 3,4,6,7,1,2,3,4,7,2,3,6,7, 8-HxCDF were found to be related to work in the vinyl chloride and chloralkali industries (Hansson et al 1997). The production of metallic magnesium is another type of process in which substantial amounts of PCDDs and PCDFs are formed.…”

Levels of metals and organic substances in blood and urine of workers at a new hazardous waste incinerator

“…For example, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) has been observed to be increased in subjects exposed to phenoxy herbicides (Heederik et al 1998), while the congeners 1,2, 3,4,6,7,2,3,4,7,2,3,6,7,HxCDFs were found to be related to vinyl chloride and chloralkali production (Hansson et al 1997). The production of metallic magnesium is another type of process in which substantial amounts of PCDD and PCDFs are formed.…”

Nonsolar occupational risk factors for cutaneous melanoma

“…Workers in the PVC and paper industry, who are commonly exposed to dioxin, are at risk (1.3–5.0). Polychlorinated dibenzo‐ para ‐dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), which are classified as human carcinogens, are formed in the pyrolysis of PVC, chlorophenol production and paper pulp bleaching with free chlorine 79,80 . In Italy, excess mortality has also been recorded for melanoma in an area previously contaminated by dioxin 81…”