[A retrospective study analysis of urinary hippuric acid levels in occupational toxicology exams].
Hippuric acid is the primary metabolite of toluene, a solvent widely used in industrial processes with considerable toxic effects, a fact which justifies regularly monitoring individuals with occupational exposure to this solvent. This work aims at evaluating urinary hippuric acid levels found in workers subject to biological monitoring. A retrospective study was carried out with data referring from 2002 to 2005, in which exams results and employment status were analyzed (periodic, post-employment, and pre-employment exams). Results indicate a significant reduction in hippuric acid levels for 2005. Periodic exams presented higher results than pre-employment and post-employment exams. No significant difference was found in individuals grouped according to their status in each of the established intervals, their reference numbers, and maximum biological levels allowed. Hippuric acid levels detected indicate low risk of toluene exposure for the population under evaluation, probably due to a growing concern with the deployment of measures regarding occupational hygiene.
Gonzalez
Kelly Cristina
KC
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Sagebin
Fernando Rodrigues
FR
Oliveira
Paola Garcia
PG
Glock
Luiz
L
Thiesen
Flavia Valladão
FV
D006626:Hippurates / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006626:Hippurates; C030514:hippuric acid