Volatile organohalogen compounds in human urine: the effect of environmental exposure.
The paper presents the results of determination of volatile organohalogen compounds (VOX) in urine samples from subjects exposed to these compounds in their workplaces and through consumption of chlorinated tap water. The analytes were isolated and preconcentrated from the complex urine samples using the thin layer headspace (TLHS) technique with autogenous generation of the liquid sorbent. Final gas chromatographic determination was carried out by direct aqueous injection with electron capture detection (DAI-ECD). The results indicate that only a small fraction (<4%) of the VOX input is excreted with urine in the non-metabolized form. A positive correlation was found between the occupational levels of VOX in the workplace and their levels in urine. VOX levels in the urine of subjects not exposed to them in the workplace were significantly lower. Their presence in the organisms was most probably related to consumption of tap water produced by chlorination of surface waters.
Polkowska
Zaneta
Z
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland. zaneta@pg.gda.pl
Kozłowska
Katarzyna
K
Mazerska
Zofia
Z
Górecki
Tadeusz
T
Namieśnik
Jacek
J
D004326:Drinking; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D006846:Hydrocarbons, Halogenated / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D007753:Laboratories; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D014835:Volatilization; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006846:Hydrocarbons, Halogenated