Levels of 1-hydroxypyrene, symptoms and immunologic markers in vulcanization workers in the southern Sweden rubber industries.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) levels in contemporary Swedish vulcanization workers and in controls. These levels were used as an index substance for vulcanization fumes, as well as a biomarker for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The risk of symptoms and changed levels of immunologic markers were investigated in relation to the 1-HP levels.


METHODS
Included in the study were 163 exposed workers and 106 controls. Medical and occupational histories were obtained by structured interviews. Symptoms were recorded and immunologic markers analysed in blood by routine analysis methods. Levels of 1-HP were determined by liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection.


RESULTS
The highest levels of 1-HP were found among exposed workers using injection and compression vulcanization and lower levels were found among exposed workers vulcanizing with salt bath, hot air, microwaves or fluid-bed. Compared to controls, exposed workers had increased risks of eye symptoms, nosebleeds, burning and dry throat, hoarseness, severe dry cough, nausea and headache. Furthermore, exposed workers had elevated levels of neutrophils and total IgG (immunoglobulin subclass G). However, only for severe dry cough an evident exposure-response relationship with urinary 1-HP levels was found.


CONCLUSIONS
This work clearly shows increased levels of urinary 1-HP in Swedish vulcanization workers. Furthermore, it demonstrates an increased risk of several symptoms and elevated levels of some immunologic markers in these workers. However, no obvious exposure-response relationships were found.
Jönsson
Lena S
LS
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. lena_s.jonsson@med.lu.se
Broberg
Karin
K
Axmon
Anna
A
Bergendorf
Ulf
U
Littorin
Margareta
M
Jönsson
Bo A G
BA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000652:urine*; D011721:Pyrenes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D012408:Rubber; D012907:Smoking / Q000652:urine; D013548:Sweden; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D011721:Pyrenes; D012408:Rubber; C033146:1-hydroxypyrene