[Assessment of occupational exposure to PAH in coke-oven workers of Taranto steel plant through biological monitoring].
OBJECTIVE
This study aims at evaluating the occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) through biological monitoring and at investigating the influence of selected genetic polymorphisms on the levels of internal dose biomarker.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study has been conducted on the basis of biological measurements in order to evaluate the levels of PAH exposure.


METHODS
PAH exposure assessment has been carried out in a coke-oven of one of the largest European steel plants (ILVA, Taranto), in the context of the program of medical surveillance carried in collaboration with the ILVA Occupational Health Service.


METHODS
355 coke-oven workers exposed to PAH were enrolled from the 3 batteries of the coke oven plant. Maintenance workers and industrial cleaners were included.


METHODS
The measurement of urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as biomarker of internal dose has been carried out, as well as the evaluation of metabolic polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), glutathione S-transferases mu (GSTM1) and theta (GSTT1) as biomarkers of susceptibility.


RESULTS
The median value of urinary 1-OHP was 1,05 microMol/Molcreat. The difference between the groups was statistically significant, with the highest value observed in the maintenance group (median 1,71, range 0,06-14,69 microMol/Molcreat). It is remarkable that 25% of the workers exceeded the proposed benchmark guideline value of2,3 microMol/Molcreat. No statistical difference was found in relation to smoking habits. Workers with GSTT1 null genotype had higher 1-OHP levels than those with wild type (p = 0,06).


CONCLUSIONS
The levels of biomarker of internal dose reflect a critical exposure to PAH in the coke-oven plant. Further observations are needed to better investigate the role of GSTT1 on the 1-OHP levels.
Bisceglia
Lucia
L
Dipartimento di medicina interna e medicina pubblica, Università degli studi di Bari.
de Nichilo
Gigliola
G
Elia
Giuseppe
G
Schiavulli
Nunzia
N
Minerba
Aldo
A
Greco
Luciano
L
Assennato
Giorgio
G
D003077:Coke; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008669:Metallurgy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D013232:Steel
D003077:Coke; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D013232:Steel