Propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) occupational exposure. 1. Biomonitoring by analysis of PGME in urine

• Published in: International archives of occupational and environmental health Vol. 73; no. 5; pp. 311 - 315
• Main Authors: DEVANTHERY, A, DENTAN, A, BERODE, M, DROZ, P.-O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.07.2000
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; Chromatography, Gas; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Humans; Least-Squares Analysis; Male; Medical sciences; Occupational Exposure - analysis; Propylene Glycols - pharmacokinetics; Propylene Glycols - urine; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors; Toxicology; Various organic compounds; Human; Urine; Gas chromatography; Biological fluid; Occupational exposure; Occupational medicine; Biological monitoring; Quantitative analysis
• ISSN: 0340-0131; 1432-1246
• DOI: 10.1007/s004200000120

An analytical method was developed for the determination of free and conjugated PGME-alpha in urine. The method involves a solid-phase extraction on LC-18 columns and a GC/FID analysis after derivatization with trimethysilylimidazole. The assay was linear (least-squares regression coefficient 0.996), specific, reproducible (intraassay variability 10%, interassay variability 10%), and allowed a high level of PGME recovery (more than 90%). The assay was applied to the analysis of urine samples from three workers who were occupationally exposed to PGME to estimate their exposure. The highest value of PGME concentration in urine was 7.78 mg/l. Air concentrations of PGME ranged between 20 and 40 ppm. A statistically significant correlation was found between measurements of external exposure and PGME in urine. An important fraction of PGME in urine was found to be conjugated.