title: 1-hydroxypyrene as a biomarker of occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in boilermakers.
abstract: A repeated measures short-term prospective study was performed in boilermakers to determine occupational polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure using the biomarker, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). Two work sites were studied; an apprentice school (metal fume exposure) and a boiler overhaul (residual oil fly ash [ROFA] and metal fume exposure). Pre- and postshift urine samples (n = 241; 41 male subjects) were analyzed for cotinine and 1-OHP. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations were calculated. At the apprentice school cross-shift 1-OHP levels did not significantly differ. At the overhaul 1-OHP levels increased during the week in smokers and nonsmokers; in nonsmokers the 1-OHP level increased significantly postshift compared to preshift. In conclusion this study suggests that boilermakers exposed to occupational particulates are exposed to PAH. The urinary 1-OHP level may be a useful biomarker of PAH exposure in boilermakers exposed to ROFA, particularly in nonsmokers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Health, Occupational Health Program, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Sutapa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
authors.forename: Ema
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weker
authors.forename: Lyle J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Christiani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000652:urine*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000652:urine*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011721:Pyrenes / Q000032:analysis*; D014896:Welding
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D015415:Biomarkers; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D011721:Pyrenes; C033146:1-hydroxypyrene