Ultra resolution chemical fingerprinting of dense non-aqueous phase liquids from manufactured gas plants by reversed phase comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

Ultra resolution chemical fingerprinting of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) from former manufactured gas plants (FMGPs) was investigated using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC TOFMS). Reversed phase GC×GC (i.e. a polar primary column coupled to a non-polar secondary column) was found to significantly improve the separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated homologues. Sample extraction and cleanup was performed simultaneously using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), with recovery rates between 76% and 97%, allowing fast, efficient extraction with minimal solvent consumption. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the GC×GC data was performed in an attempt to differentiate between twelve DNAPLs based on their chemical composition. Correlations were discovered between DNAPL composition and historic manufacturing processes used at different FMGP sites. Traditional chemical fingerprinting methods generally follow a tiered approach with sample analysis on several different instruments. We propose ultra resolution chemical fingerprinting as a fast, accurate and precise method of obtaining more chemical information than traditional tiered approaches while using only a single analytical technique.

Effect of a standardized complex mixture derived from coal tar on the metabolic activation of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human cells in culture.

A complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) extracted from coal tar, standard reference material (SRM) 1597, has been shown to initiate tumor formation in mouse initiation-promotion assays in our laboratory [(2001) Carcinogenesis 22 (7), 1077-1086]. To determine the effects of SRM 1597 on PAH activation in human cells, we investigated the PAH-DNA adduct formation in the human mammary carcinoma-derived cell line MCF-7. We examined the effects of SRM 1597 on the metabolic activation to DNA binding derivatives of two carcinogenic PAHs, the bay region containing benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and the more carcinogenic fjord region containing dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P). PAH-DNA adduct analysis by 33P-postlabeling and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography revealed a significant decrease in the levels of both B[a]P and DB[a,l]P DNA adduct formation on cotreatment with SRM 1597 in comparison to cells exposed to B[a]P or DB[a,l]P alone. However, the inhibition of PAH-DNA adduct formation only occurred within the first 48 h of exposure in cells cotreated with SRM 1597 and B[a]P. In contrast, SRM 1597 significantly inhibited the level of DB[a,l]P DNA adducts throughout the 120 h of exposure. Induction of human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes 1A1 and P4501B1 on treatment with SRM 1597 was observed by immunoblots. These results suggest that the important factors in determining the carcinogenic activity of PAH within a complex mixture would depend on the ability of other components of the mixture to promote or inhibit the activation of carcinogenic PAH by the induction of P450 enzymes followed by the formation of DNA adducts.

[Analysis of organic and inorganic components of Diesel engine exhaust absorbed on ore-mine aerosol particles]. / Issledovanie sorbirovannykh na chastitsakh rudnichnogo aérozolia organicheskikh i neorganicheskikh komponentov vykhlopa dizel'nykh dvigatelei.

The article proposes results of research into exhausts' major components absorption in accumulated and floating dusts in ore mines in which self-propelled diesel vehicles are predominantly used. It was established that ore-mine aerosol particles had a large specific surface and contained a high percentage of carbon-black (1,1-35.1%). Different results were received for both organic and non-organic substances' sorption indices. In the samples, in addition to 3,4-benzapyrene, 11 more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were identified, with concentrations 10-15 times higher than those of 3,4-benzapyrene.

[Effect of working conditions in the coke-processing department on the secretory function of the adrenal cortex]. / Wplyw warunków pracy w wydziale weglopochodnych koksowni na wydzielanie kory nadnerczy.

In 85 randomly chosen employees of the coal tar distillation department working at least 5 years, exposed to toxic substances not exceeding MAC except tar substances and benzo(a)pyrene, whose concentrations were high, blood level of cortisol and 17 OHCS and 17 KS excretion in urine were examined. In the most exposed group cortisol level decreased and the 17 OHCS excretion augmented.

A pragmatic approach to standard setting--the example of coal tar products and asphalt.

This article will outline a pragmatic approach directed to incorporating key elements of a scientific review of the literature and derive a proposal for an occupational exposure standard for coal tar, coal tar pitch, creosote, petroleum pitch, bitumen and asphalt, six substances which contain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Five approaches to the standard setting process are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses discussed. Unfortunately there does not exist an acceptable epidemiological data set, other than the coke oven emission studies, on which to base a valid and reliable risk assessment model. Based on comparative potency experiments of complex mixtures, consideration of the state-of-the-art sampling and analytical methods, prevention of acute human health effects, and current existing standards for these substances throughout the world, a set of recommended exposure standards are derived for health policy makers.