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Biomedical subjects

W V Lorimer

Publications and source records attributed to W V Lorimer.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1978

Blood styrene and urinary metabolites in styrene polymerisation.

The results of the analysis of blood and urine samples for styrene and its metabolites in 491 workers in a styrene polymerisation plant in the United States are reported. The levels of exposure to styrene were estimated to be less than 10 ppm, but nevertheless styrene and metabolites were detectable in more than 50% of workers in polymerisation jobs, within 4 h of exposure. Workers involved in the manufacture and purification of styrene from ethyl benzene also had detectable blood styrene and urinary metabolites in 83% of recently exposed subjects. The relationship between styrene in blood and in subcutaneous fat and urinary metabolites as pharmacokinetic variables is discussed.

Chemical Industry↗
PubMed1978

Biological indicators of exposure in styrene polymerization workers. Styrene in blood and adipose tissue and mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids in urine.

The concentrations of mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids, urinary metabolites of styrene, and styrene in blood were determined for 491 styrene polymerization workers. Styrene in subcutaneous fat was determined for 25 workers. The levels of styrene exposure were estimated to be less than 10 ppm, and urinary metabolite and blood styrene concentrations indicated that significant recent exposure (within 4 h) had occurred among workers in areas of styrene polymerization and styrene monomer production. Styrene analysis of subcutaneous fat suggested that the monomer may have been present for as long as 3 d after exposure, a time when urinary metabolites and blood styrene were almost invariably undetectable. All three biological parameters were correlated with recency of exposure and estimated intensity of exposure within job categories.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1978

Health status of styrene-polystyrene polymerization workers.

Styrene monomer is a greatly used chemical, chiefly in the production of polystyrene. A cross-sectional health survey of 493 production workers was undertaken at the oldest and largest monomer production, polymerization, and extrusion facility in the United States. Relative exposure durations and levels were obtained from occupational histories and corroborated by spot air sampling, blood and fat styrene concentrations and levels of urinary mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids. Statistically significant differences between the prevalence of abnormalities in high and low exposure groups were found for the following: history of acute prenarcotic symptoms, history of acute lower respiratory symptoms, peroneal nerve conduction velocities, relative lymphocytosis, and elevated gamma glutamyl transpetsidase. The following showed no distinct pattern in prevalence when analyzed by exposure group: chest radiographic changes; indices or restrictive, obstructive and small airway dysfunction; other hepatic and hematological parameters; carcinoembryonic antigen level; sputum cytopathology; radial nerve conduction velocities; and ophthalmological findings. Clinically significant abnormalities were rare.

Environmental Exposure↗
PubMed1977

Styrene and related hydrocarbons in subcutaneous fat from polymerization workers.

Subcutaneous fat samples from 25 workers in a styrene polymerization plant have been analyzed for styrene, ethyl benzene, toluene, benzene, and benzaldehyde by gas chromatography. Styrene was found in samples from 13 of 17 workers who had been heavily exposed within the previous 3 days, 5 of 13 having been exposed 2-3 days earlier. Six workers 4-90 days removed from exposure and two 2-3 days removed from low (less than 5 ppm) exposures had no detectable styrene in fat tissue samples. Toluene and ethyl benzene were found in varying amounts in many samples, and benzene was observed in three samples. Benzaldehyde was observed at levels of 5-53 microng/g in all samples. Although urinary metabolites and breath levels of styrene are reported to be detectable for less than 24 hr following exposure, styrene was found in subcutaneous fat from the subjects of this study for as long as 3 days after the most recent occupational exposure. The combination exposures in such a setting are reflected in the variety of hydrocarbons found in fat samples of workers.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1976

Clinical studies of styrene workers: initial findings.

Styrene monomer is a high volume chemical used chiefly in production of polystyrene. A clinical survey of 493 production workers was undertaken at the oldest and largest monomer production, polymerization, and extrusion facility in the U.S. Relative exposure durations and levels were obtained from occupational histories. Significant differences between the high and low exposure groups were found with regard to history of acute prenarcotic symptoms, acute lower respiratory symptoms, prevalence of FEV 1/FV less than 75 per cent, and elevated GCTP. Other liver function tests, chest x-ray, FVC less than 80 per cent, and hematological parameters showed no distinct pattern. A concomitant mortality study has been mounted and is in progress.

Adult↗