Biological monitoring of occupational exposure ton-hexane by measurement of urinary 2,5-hexanedione

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Abstract
Occupational exposure ton-hexane in shoe factory workers was monitored by measuring urinary 2,5-hexanedione, the major metabolite of this solvent and the probable cause of peripheral neuropathy in exposed workers. Solvent pollution was monitored in the work environments of 189 employees, of whom 123 (65%) worked in Alicante, Spain, and 66 (35%) in Veneto, Italy. 2,5-Hexanedione was measured in spot urine samples collected from workers at the end of the shift. Information on working conditions was obtained from a previous study. A significant linear correlation was found between mean environmental concentration ofn-hexane and urinary concentration of 2,5-hexanedione. The variability in the correlation may have been due to the variable use of protective clothing (gloves), and to variations in exposure during the working week. In numerous workers, percutaneous absorption ofn-hexane represented as much as 50% of the total absorbed dose. Urinary concentrations of 2,5-hexanedione tended to increase during the working week. Simultaneous exposure ton-hexane and toluene tended to reduce urinary excretion of 2,5-hexanedione, whereas exposure ton-hexane and methyl ethyl ketone tended to increase excretion of the metabolite.