Effects of occupational exposure to 1,4-dichlorobenzene on hematologic, kidney, and liver functions.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) on kidney, liver, and hematological functions of workers in insect repellent factories in Taiwan.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed comparing 46 exposed workers and 29 non-exposed workers. Health information was collected using questionnaires and biochemical tests. The concentration of urinary 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), the major metabolite of 1,4-DCB, was analyzed by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.


RESULTS
Urinary 2,5-DCP concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level were higher in exposed workers than in non-exposed ones (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the WBC count and ALT level were significantly correlated with the concentration of 2,5-DCP in urine (P < 0.05). The blood urea nitrogen was significantly higher in on-site exposed workers (P < 0.05). Urinary 2,5-DCP concentration was significantly lower in workers who wore personal protective equipment (PPE) during work than in those who did not (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The higher urinary 2,5-DCP concentration in exposed (105.38 μg/L) than non-exposed (1.08 μg/L) workers suggests that 1,4-DCB exposure may increase the 2,5-DCP concentration in urine. Moreover, exposure to 1,4-DCB may also increase WBC count and ALT activity, and PPE may protect workers from 1,4-DCB exposure.
Hsiao
Pao-Kuei
PK
Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17 Hsu-Cho Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lin
Yi-Chang
YC
Shih
Tung-Sheng
TS
Chiung
Yin-Mei
YM
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D002722:Chlorobenzenes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D002733:Chlorophenols / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007302:Insect Repellents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult
D002722:Chlorobenzenes; D002733:Chlorophenols; D007302:Insect Repellents; C056892:2,5-dichlorophenol; C018511:4-dichlorobenzene; D000410:Alanine Transaminase