[Effects of 1-bromopropane on neurological and hematological changes of female exposed workers].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the health effects of 1-bromopropane (1-BP) on female exposed workers.


METHODS
Four 1-BP manufacturing plants were investigated. Workers were interviewed with questionnaire and examined with neurobehavioral core test battery, nerve conduction velocity tests of nervus tibialis and nervus suralis, vibration sensation test, hematological and biochemical tests. Ambient 1-BP concentration was measured with detection tube, and time-weighed average levels of individual workers were estimated with passive samplers.


RESULTS
1-BP concentration in the plants ranged from 0 to 402.40 mg/m3 (Geomean 32.19 mg/m3). Time-weighted average exposure levels (TWA-8 h) ranged from 0.35 to 535.19 mg/m3 (Geomean 14.08 mg/m3). Compared with the control group, 1-BP exposed workers showed reduced motor nerve conduction velocity [(44.8 +/- 8.7) m/s] and sensory nerve conduction velocity [(45.5 +/- 4.9) m/s], prolonged distal latency [(7.5 +/- 2.1) ms], reduced toe vibration perception, and altered neurobehavior parameters(POMS vigor, tension, anxiety, confusion) significantly (P < 0.05). As to hematological and biochemical indicators, the exposed workers showed decreased white blood cell count [(5.6 +/- 2.17) x 10(3)/microl], red blood cell count [(3.9 +/- 0.4) x 10(6)/microl], hemoglobin [(121.1 +/- 14.5) g/L] and creatine kinase [(82.0 +/- 27.5) IU/L] (P < 0.05), and increased serum total protein (8.0 +/- 0.5 g/dl), lactate dehydrogenase [(335.2 +/- 356.6) IU/L], thyroid-stimulating hormone [(3.6 +/- 2.3) microIU/ml] and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (18.7 +/- 24.4 mIU/ml) (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
1-BP exposure may affect peripheral nerves and central nervous system, and lead to abnormal hematological and biomedical indicators.
Li
Wei-Hua
WH
Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Zhou
Zhi-Jun
ZJ
Wang
Qiang-Yi
QY
Ichihara
Gaku
G
Takeuchi
Yasuhiro
Y
Ding
Xun-Cheng
XC
D000328:Adult; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D055815:Young Adult
D006454:Hemoglobins; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; D003402:Creatine Kinase; C118559:1-bromopropane