Passive smoking, excretion of metabolites, and health effects: results of the Leipzig's Allergy Risk Study (LARS).
Over a 5-yr period, the Leipzig's Allergy Risk Study (LARS) investigated the influence of typical indoor-contaminant burdens on the development of allergies and upper respiratory tract infections in allergy-prone children. Typical indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and excretion of certain VOC metabolites in urine were measured in children 3 yr of age. Data analyses were based on parent-completed questionnaires, exposure measurements, and medical examinations. Evaluation of passive smoking was of special interest. Generally, residences with a high burden of passive smoking had higher benzene concentrations than residences inhabited by nonsmokers. Obstructive bronchitis was observed more frequently in children exposed to increased concentrations of benzene, as well as toluene, styrene, and m,p-xylene. In addition, atopic symptoms were associated with excretion of certain VOC metabolites. For example, the authors found an association between eczema and exposure to toluene and between eczema and increased excretion of the toluene metabolite S-benzylmercapturic acid. The results suggest that if an association with certain health effects is to be demonstrated, evaluation of external exposures should be supplemented with evaluations of internal exposure.
Rolle-Kampczyk
Ulrike E
UE
Institute for Environmental Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Rehwagen
Martina
M
Diez
Ulrike
U
Richter
Matthias
M
Herbarth
Olf
O
Borte
Michael
M
D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000009:adverse effects; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014835:Volatilization
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution