title: Kinetics and renal effects of formic acid in occupationally exposed farmers.
abstract: Twelve male farmers (38 +/- 14 years of age, mean +/- SD) were exposed to 7.3 +/- 2.2 mg formic acid/m3 for 8 h in the silage making (mean +/- SD, N = 12). Each gave urine samples immediately, 15 h and 30 h after the end of the exposure. The excretion of formate was linearly related to the exposure 15 and 30 h after the exposure. Exposure increased renal ammoniagenesis and urinary calcium at 30 h post-exposure. Both biochemical effects may be explained by the interaction of formic acid with the oxidative metabolism of renal tubular cells, as formic acid is a known inhibitor of the cytochrome oxidase. In view of these renal effects, the current hygienic limits may not entirely protect exposed individuals.
authors.affiliation: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Kuopio.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liesivuori
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laitinen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Savolainen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D000641:Ammonia / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000652:urine; D005561:Formates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure
chemical_list: D005561:Formates; C030544:formic acid; D000641:Ammonia; D002118:Calcium