Trichloroethylene exposure in vapour degreasing and the urinary excretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase.
In order to elucidate the potential nephrotoxicity of low level occupational exposure to trichloroethylene (TRI), urine analysis of the tubular enzyme N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (U-NAG) was included in a cross-sectional study of metal degreasers in central Sweden. Eighty-six percent of 8-h TRI in air measurements were well below 50 mg/m3. Normal levels of NAG were found in morning urine samples from 29 workers compared to a historical reference group. A weak positive correlation (r = 0.48; P < 0.01) was observed between U-NAG activity and the concentration of the TRI metabolite trichloroacetic acid in urine but not with other estimates of recent or long-term exposure. In conclusion, TRI does not seem to be nephrotoxic at low exposure levels.
Department of Occupational Medicine, Orebro Medical Center Hospital, Sweden.
A
A
Seldén
B
B
Hultberg
A
A
Ulander
G
G
Ahlborg
D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase / Q000652:urine*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000378:metabolism; D014241:Trichloroethylene / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning*
D014241:Trichloroethylene; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase