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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Toluene is a substance commonly used in the chemical industry. It is a volatile organic chemical and workers exposure occurs frequently by inhalation. The major metabolic pathway of toluene metabolism in humans involves sidechain oxidation by the sequential action of cytochrome P-450, alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase leading to benzoic acid which, upon conjugation with glycine, results in hippuric acid, the major urinary metabolite, has long been considered a biomarker of exposure. Toluene affects the central nervous system, eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys. Exposure to high levels of toluene during pregnancy has been shown to result in children with birth defects and to retard mental abilities and growth and there is evidence that exposure to toluene is associated with spontaneous abortion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occupational exposure to toluene in workers in a chemical manufacturing industry of polymers, recognize the main factors influencing exposure and identify measures to prevent workers exposure.
Description
Keywords
Occupational health Occupational exposure Chemical industry Toluene Biomonitoring
Citation
Barros M, Viegas S. Exposure assessment to toluene in a chemical industry: complementarity between air monitoring and biomonitoring data. In: ICOETox 2018 – 4th International Congress on Occupational & Environmental Toxicology, Matosinhos, October 24-26, 2018.