Ambient monitoring and biomonitoring of workers exposed to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in an industrial facility

Bader, M; Rosenberger, W; Rebe, T; Keener, SA; Brock, TH; Hemmerling, HJ; Wrbitzky, R

HERO ID

3539720

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2006

Language

English

PMID

16362322

HERO ID 3539720
In Press No
Year 2006
Title Ambient monitoring and biomonitoring of workers exposed to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in an industrial facility
Authors Bader, M; Rosenberger, W; Rebe, T; Keener, SA; Brock, TH; Hemmerling, HJ; Wrbitzky, R
Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Volume 79
Issue 5
Page Numbers 357-364
Abstract <strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>The exposure of seven workers and three on-site study examiners to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was studied in an adhesive bonding compound and glue production facility.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>Airborne NMP was analysed by personal and stationary sampling on activated charcoal tubes. NMP and its main metabolites, 5-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (5-HNMP) and 2-hydroxy-N-methylsuccinimide (2-HMSI), were analysed in pre-shift and post-shift spot urine samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The workers were examined with respect to irritation of the eyes, the mucous membranes and the skin, and health complaints before and after the work-shift were recorded.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>The time-weighted average concentration of NMP in most work areas varied between 0.2 and 3.0 mg/m3. During the manual cleaning of stirring vessels, valves and tools, 8-h TWA exposures of up to 15.5 mg/m3 and single peak exposures of up to 85 mg/m3) were observed. NMP and its metabolites were detected in two pre-shift urine specimens. NMP and 5-HNMP concentrations in post-shift urine samples of five workers and three on-site study examiners were below 125 microg/g creatinine and 15 mg/g creatinine, respectively, while two vessel-cleaning workers showed significantly higher urinary NMP concentrations of 472 and 711 microg/g creatinine and 5-HNMP concentrations of 33.5 and 124 mg/g creatinine. 2-HMSI was detectable in four post-shift samples (range: 1.6-14.7 mg/g creatinine). The vessel cleaner with the highest NMP exposure reported irritation of the eyes, the upper respiratory tract and headaches.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>The results of this study indicate a relatively low overall exposure to NMP in the facility. An increased uptake of NMP occurred only during extensive manual vessel cleaning. Health complaints associated with NMP exposure were recorded in one case and might be related to an excessive dermal exposure due to infrequent and inadequate use of personal protective equipment.
Doi 10.1007/s00420-005-0065-4
Pmid 16362322
Wosid WOS:000236355600003
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis; Environmental Monitoring; Germany; Occupational Exposure; Pyrrolidinones/analysis/urine