The Relations between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure and 1-OHP Levels as a Biomarker of the Exposure

Abstract

SUMMARYBackground and Aim: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the products of incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of various organic materials. Their ubiquity in the environment leads to measurable levels of exposure. However, the exposure varies strongly between different regions in Europe. Some PAHs with four or more rings are suspected to be human carcinogens. Therefore, the occupational and/or environmental exposure to PAHs may cause a significant health risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate current levels of PAH exposure in defined groups of workers.Methods: The industrial sites selected in this survey involved PAHs originating from coal tar pitch, carbon black, bitumen, and rubber fumes. Based on the historical data, the sites were expected to exhibit quantifiable levels of exposure to PAHs. The total study population consisted of 139 persons: 108 workers (85 males and 23 females) occupationally exposed in aluminium production, the production of graphite electrodes, road construction, or the rubber forming industry and 31 control individuals in two groups.Results: The highest concentrations -8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) levels (sum of 16 components according to the EPA list), as expected, were found in the aluminium production plant (55.15 µg.m −3 ) and production of graphite electrodes (54.25 µg.m −3 ). The lowest concentrations were found in personal air samples of road construction workers (1.93 µg.m −3 ). The concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene as a pyrene metabolite (1-OHP) in the urine of the exposed group of workers were found in levels 0.74 µmol.mol −1 creatinine before the exposure and 2.27 µmol.mol −1 creatinine after the exposure (arithmetic mean values). 1-OHP concentrations in post-shift urine samples were highly correlated with the total airborne PAHs concentrations and pyrene concentrations in air. The correlation coefficients (r S ) between 1-OHP concentration and pyrene or total PAHs in air were 0.710 and 0.752 (p < 0.05). This statistical analysis confirmed the effect of the occupational exposure to PAHs and pyrene on body burden in workers. However, a modifying effect of gender, smoking habits, dietary intake, genetically modified metabolism, and the use of medication on the toxicokinetics of pyrene was not determined as significant.Conclusion: Based on the results a strong correlation between the concentration of 1-OHP in urine as an exposure biomarker and the concentration of pyrene or PAH was affirmed.

Assessment of cytogenetic damage in flexographic workers: Micronucleus assay in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells

“…Inhalation, ingestion, and contact with volatile organic compounds by FWs during the working period increase their risk of exposure to acrylic polymers, acrylic polyols, organophosphorus compounds, ethylene glycol ethers, alcohols, alkyl acetates, propylene glycol ethers, amides, nitrogen compounds, and organic and organometallic pigments, which are known to be toxic. [ 2 8 ] Occupational exposure to these potentially hazardous chemical agents is of great public health concern; hence, it is important to assess and monitor the genetic risks related to occupational exposure to these toxic substances.…”

The Use of Human Biomonitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to PAHs in Europe: A Comprehensive Review

“…Because of the carcinogenic potency of BaP, 3-OH-BaP is regarded as the most relevant biomarker for risk assessment rather than 1-OH-PYR and OH-PHEs. Strong correlation between the concentration of urinary 1-OH-PYR and concentration of pyrene or PAHs in air [46] Six male subjects (30-60-years old) working in a pre-baked electrode production plan; non-smokers; urine samples collected at the beginning and at the post-shift on the last work day of the week; France Exposure: 1-OH-PYR and 3-OH-BaP…”

“…The authors have not shown a correlation between air concentrations and urinary biomarkers since post-shift urinary PAHs metabolites concentrations did not reflect the different exposure levels. In other industries, such as coke oven [58] and aluminum production [46] the PAHs markers used for air monitoring were ∑PAHs and BaP. Zaj ąc et al reported a correlation between 1-OH-PYR, ∑PAHs, and BaP, showing that 1-OH-PYR might be a surrogate for BaP and PAHs in general [58].…”

“…the different exposure levels. In other industries, such as coke oven [58] and aluminum production [46] the PAHs markers used for air monitoring were ∑PAHs and BaP. Zając et al reported a correlation between 1-OH-PYR, ∑PAHs, and BaP, showing that 1-OH-PYR might be a surrogate for BaP and PAHs in general [58].…”

Association between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and endometriosis: data from the NHANES 2001–2006

“…PAHs can enter the human body through different occupational, environmental, medical, and nutritional sources, such as exposure to aluminum and graphite electrode production or road construction, dietary intake of meat, dairy products or smoked foods, etc. ( 20 , 21 ). Humans are exposed to PAHs through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact ( 22 ).…”