Evaluation of 2,5-hexanedione in urine of workers exposed to n-hexane in Brazilian shoe factories.
Urinary 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) is used as a biomarker for biological monitoring of workers exposed to n-hexane. The purpose of this study was to compare two types of treatment of urine samples during clean-up (with and without acidic hydrolysis) and to study the exposure situation of workers exposed to n-hexane during shoe manufacturing. There, various glues containing n-hexane are used. Quantification of 2,5-HD was carried out by gas chromatography and flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Fifty-two urine samples taken from workers of seven shoe factories were analyzed. Thirty-four persons from the administrative staff of the same factories served as controls. They were not known to be exposed to n-hexane. The samples treated with acidic hydrolysis showed levels (average 0.94 mg/l) approximately 10 times higher than samples without acidic hydrolysis (0.09 mg/l). The difference is predominantly caused by the conversion of other metabolites of n-hexane (e.g. 4,5-dihydroxy-2-hexanone) to 2,5-HD in the presence of acids. Our results also show, that exposure to n-hexane is different between various industries. Levels of 2,5-HD in urine are predominantly dependent on the type of operation (how the glue is applied on the leather during shoe manufacturing). Simple measures, e.g. using a glue handgun instead of a paintbrush significantly decreased exposure to n-hexane.
dos Santos
Claudia Regina
CR
Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av Prof Lineu Prestes, 580, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil.
Meyer Passarelli
Miriam Meyer
MM
de Souza Nascimento
Elizabeth
E
D001938:Brazil; D002138:Calibration; D002849:Chromatography, Gas / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006586:Hexanes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006588:Hexanones / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011786:Quality Control; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D006586:Hexanes; D006588:Hexanones; C026385:n-hexane; C011269:2,5-hexanedione