[Exposure to 1-bromopropane causes dose-dependent neurological abnormalities in workers].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the dose-effect relationship between 1-bromopropane (1-BP) exposure and health effects in workers.


METHODS
Occupational field investigations were conducted in 1-BP factories. Ambient 1-BP concentrations were detected with detection tube, and the 8 h time-weighted average individual exposure levels (TWA-8 h) were measured by passive sampler. Workers underwent questionnaire survey, neurological examination, nerve conduction velocity examination, vibration sensation test. routine blood test as well as blood biochemical test. According to TWA values or TWA x duration values, workers were divided into three dose groups for dose-effect relationship analysis. USEPA BMDS 2.1 software was applied to calculate 1-BP benchmark dose (BMD) and its 95% lower limit (BMDL).


RESULTS
The TWA-8h concentrations ranged from 0.35 to 535.19 mg/m3 (geo-mean 14.08 mg/m3). Dose-dependent analysis showed that the motor nerve distal latency (linear regression coefficient was 0.066 6), vibration sensation of toes (linear regression coefficient were 0.157 2 and 0.193 9), creatine kinase (linear regression coefficient was -1.05) and thyroid stimulating hormone levels (linear regression coefficient was 0.1024) of 1-BP exposed workers changed in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). BMD calculation based on DL as 1-BP toxic effect endpoint showed that TWA-8h of the BMD values and BMDL values were 50.55 mg/m3 and 30.78 mg/m3, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
1-BP causes dose-dependent changes in tibial nerve DL, vibration sensation, CK and TSH levels.
Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Wei-hua
WH
Li
Qiang-yi
QY
Wang
Gaku
G
Ichihara
Yasuhiro
Y
Takeuchi
Xun-cheng
XC
Ding
Zhi-jun
ZJ
Zhou
D000328:Adult; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D017132:Workplace
D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; D003402:Creatine Kinase; C118559:1-bromopropane