Butoxyethoxyacetic acid, a biomarker of exposure to water-based cleaning agents.
The aim of the study was to investigate the suitability of butoxyethoxyacetic acid (BEAA) as a biomarker of exposure to water-based cleaning agents containing diethylene glycol mono butyl ether (DEGBE). The study was performed in two printing plants where water-based products containing 10-15% DEGBE were used for rubber and blanket washes. Thirty nine newspaper pressroom workers (exposed) and 19 employees of newspaper despatch departments (controls) were investigated. By questionnaire, the workers were asked about the use of personal protective measures. BEAA was determined in post-shift urine using GC-MS. The BEAA concentration in the urine of exposed workers ranged up to 75.1 mg/l (median 6.3 mg/l), whereas in urine samples of the controls the BEAA level was below or around the determination limit of 0.5 mg/l. A protective effect on DEGBE uptake was observed with the use of protective gloves. This observation implies that dermal penetration of DEGBE may be important in exposure monitoring.
Göen
Thomas
T
Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational Medicine, University hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. thomas.goeen@post.rwth-aachen.de
Korinth
Gintautas
G
Drexler
Hans
H
D000085:Acetates / Q000652:urine*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D003902:Detergents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005026:Ethylene Glycols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D009524:Newspapers as Topic; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D011327:Printing
D000085:Acetates; D015415:Biomarkers; D003902:Detergents; D005026:Ethylene Glycols; C004607:butyl carbitol