Evaluation of current biological exposure index for occupational N, N-dimethylformamide exposure from synthetic leather workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2004 Jul;46(7):729-36. doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000131795.88947.45.

Abstract

The aim of this study was (1) to investigate the correlation between external exposure to N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and urinary excretion of DMF and N-methylformamide; (2) to assess whether the correspondence between the current occupational exposure limit setting and recommended urinary biological exposure index is substantial; and (3) to evaluate whether coexposure to toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, and ethyl acetate has an effect on urinary excretion of DMF and N-methylformamide (NMF). Urinary DMF and NMF were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with one another and also significantly correlated with airborne DMF (P < 0.01) over the range of 1.55 to 152.8 mg/m. Urinary DMF can be considered a complementary marker for short-term exposure. Urinary concentration of NMF and DMF, corresponding to the 8-hour exposure to airborne DMF at 30 mg/m, was estimated to 38.4 mg/L or 39.4 mg/g creatinine for NMF and to 0.92 mg/L or 0.96 mg/g creatinine for DMF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Butanones / adverse effects
  • Dimethylformamide / analysis*
  • Dimethylformamide / pharmacokinetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Solvents / adverse effects
  • Textile Industry*
  • Toluene / adverse effects
  • Urinalysis

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Butanones
  • Solvents
  • Toluene
  • methylethyl ketone
  • ethyl acetate
  • Dimethylformamide