title: Assessment of transpulmonary absorption of ethanol from alcohol-based hand rub.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) have been associated with a reduction of nosocomial infections. Despite the worldwide introduction of these products in health care settings, the aim of this study was to assess the transpulmonary absorption of ethanol contains in ABHRs used by health care workers (HCWs) in real conditions of work shift.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six HCWs of Nancy University Hospital were included. Research consisted in monitoring participants during 4 hours of work shift to assess their exposure to ethanol. The measurement of ethanol vapors in exhaled breath was performed using a class B ethylometer (Alco-Sensor FST). Ethanol concentration in inhaled breath was measured using Gilian pump LFS-113. Concentration of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and acetate in blood and urine samples were determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants were 12% male and 88% female. The mean age was 40 ± 8 years. None of the employees included in the study presented any traces of ethanol or its metabolites in the blood or urine. Ethanol (0.08 ± 0.07 mg/L) was detected in the breath of 10 HCWs at 1 to 2 minutes postexposure. The mean concentration of ethanol in the inhaled air was 46.2 mg/m.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Absorption of ethanol vapor from ABHRs among HCWs during their care activities was not detected. Quantification of ethanol fumes inhaled during 4 hours of work shift was below the regulatory limitations of exposure to ethanol.
authors: Faculty of Medicine, Department of the Environment and Public Health, Lorraine University, Nancy, France.
authors: Alexis
authors: A
authors: Hautemanière
authors: Djihane
authors: D
authors: Ahmed-Lecheheb
authors: Lisiane
authors: L
authors: Cunat
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Hartemann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001944:Breath Tests; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D000431:Ethanol