Inhalation exposure to 1,3-butadiene and styrene in styrene-butadiene copolymer production.

This study assessed personal exposure to 1,3-butadiene (BD) and styrene in three plants manufacturing styrene-butadiene (SB) copolymers. Air samples were collected from the breathing zone of 28 workers over 4 months in three SB plants using diffusive samplers. The total number of samples was 885 with the number of samples per participant varying from 19 to 39. Samples were collected by use of 3M 3500 passive monitors and analyzed with a gas chromatograph (GC). Sampling proved to be simple and inexpensive and laboratory analysis of BD could detect 0.01 and 0.007 part per millions (ppm) of styrene in the 8h samples. In the case of BD, 624 samples were below the limit of quantification (LOQ), 240 samples were between the LOQ and 1 ppm, and 21 samples exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV). In the case of styrene 336 samples were below the LOQ, 548 samples were between the LOQ and 20 ppm. The TLV was exceeded once. The data gives a comprehensive picture of personal exposure of workers in modern SB latex manufacturing plants. The study illustrates also how the new TLV of BD is being implemented.

Personal exposure to 1,3-butadiene in a petrochemical plant, assessed by use of diffusive samplers.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed personal exposure to 1,3-butadiene in a petrochemical plant after the threshold limit value (TLV) had been lowered to 1 part per million (ppm). Air samples were collected from the breathing zone of ten workers by use of diffusive samplers. The number of samples per participant was from three to 18. METHODS: Samples were collected by use of 3M 3500 passive monitors and analysed with a gas chromatograph (GC). Sampling proved to be simple and inexpensive, and laboratory analysis of 1,3-butadiene (BD) permits the analysis of 0.01 ppm in an 8 h sample. RESULTS: Altogether, 117 samples were analysed, of which 32 samples were under the limit of quantification (LOQ), 81 samples were between the LOQ and 1 ppm, and four samples exceeded the TLV. CONCLUSIONS: This study draws a new picture about the exposure level during BD production and how well adherence to the new TLV is being implemented. The data demonstrated that the TLV was rarely exceeded.

Dose-dependent excretion of unconjugated 3-butene-1,2-diol measured in urine with a gc/ms after 1,3-butadiene exposure.

1,3-Butadiene is clearly carcinogenic, and it has a complex pathway of metabolic transformation, as it forms several reactive intermediates. We have previously shown that butadiene diolepoxide is a key metabolite in DNA and hemoglobin adduct formation. Here we report the analysis of 3-buten-1,2-diol-the precursor of butadiene diolepoxide-in urine samples from rats exposed to butadiene by means of inhalation. Urine samples were extracted with isopropanol, and extracts were analyzed using a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer. Selected ion monitoring was performed by using ion 57 m/z; a retention time allowed reliable analysis. The analysis showed a linear excretion of 3-buten-1,2-diol during the 5 days of 6-h exposures and 18-h recovery times between exposures. The daily correlation coefficient (r) values varied from 0.9945 to 0.9999. A 6-h exposure of rats to 1000 ppm 1,3-butadiene resulted in a mean urinary concentration of 3-buten-1,2-diol of approximately 38 mg/L. Urine samples were also collected during the recovery times, and the extracts were analyzed. The linearity of the excretion during the recovery times showed r values ranging from 0.6932 to 0.9813; 0.5 mg/L of 3-butene-1,2-diol was detected in urine samples excreted after exposure to 1000 ppm 1,3-butadiene. The data demonstrated that butadiene monoepoxide was converted into 3-buten-1,2-diol which, to some extent, was excreted in urine in a nonconjugated form. The excretion of 3-buten-1,2-diol was prompt, with about 98% of the compound being excreted during exposure. We acknowledge Mr. Yrjö Peltonen for his very skillful assistance in maintaining a stable BD atmosphere during animal exposure, and we thank Ms. Marja Pihlaja for the animal care.