Occupational exposure to tetrachloroethene and its effects on the kidneys
The effects of tetrachloroethylene (TCE) exposure on the kidneys were investigated in 82 exposed and 19 nonexposed workers from four dry-cleaning shops. The mean inhaled amount of TCE in the exposed group was 8.4mg/m3, corresponding to a mean 8-hour time-weighted average exposure of 7.9mg/m3. A chronic dose index (CDI) was estimated from data on the current TCE dose and the occupational history of individual subjects. The mean CDI in the exposed group was 400 months x mg/m3. Effects on the tubules were assessed with the parameters N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase, b-galactosidase, alanine aminopeptidase, and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in urine. Early effects on the glomeruli were monitored with the parameter albumin in urine. Total protein in urine was determined for the general assessment of effects on the glomeruli and tubules. The tubular parameter RBP was increased in the exposed group compared with the nonexposed group. In conclusion, occupational exposure to TCE may cause a minor effect on the tubular RBP at exposure levels below the Dutch occupational exposure limit (240mg/m3).
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