PubMed · 8159086
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1993. [Editorial].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8159086/
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Organophosphate esters (OPEs), widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers, have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. However, investigations of their distribution in high-altitude plateau lakes remain scarce. Identifying and quantifying the sources and associated risks of OPEs are crucial for subsequent water environment management. In this study, an integrated source-risk analysis approach was employed by combining the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, the Geodetector (GD) model, and risk quotient (RQ). Analysis of 14 OPEs in surface waters of the Dianchi Lake Basin (DLB) revealed 12 detectable compounds, with total OPEs concentrations (ΣOPEs) ranging from not detected (ND)-64.6 ng/L during the wet season and ND-35.8 ng/L during the dry season. Elevated ΣOPEs were primarily observed at inflow sites in the northern part of the lake and in urban rivers. Source apportionment indicated four major contributing sources: agricultural films containing flame-retardant and plasticizer additives, traffic-related particulate emissions, releases from household and personal care products, and industrial production and applications of flame retardants in plastics, electronics, and related products (the predominant source). The ecological impact caused by OPEs ranges from no risk to low risk, with tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate emitted from industrial source being the primary driver of potential environmental risk. These findings highlight the necessity of prioritizing industrial sources in future management strategies. Overall, this study provides a methodological framework for source apportionment and risk assessment of OPEs and offers scientific evidence to support environmental management of OPEs in the DLB.
The feasibility of using plasma, blood and haemoglobin adducts for monitoring occupational exposure to the suspected human carcinogen 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA) was investigated. A method utilising capillary gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical-ionisation mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the determination of pentafluoropropionyl (PFP) derivatives of MOCA, released by alkaline hydrolysis from protein adducts and conjugates, was both sensitive and selective. When selected ion monitoring was used, sub-femtomole amounts of PFP-MOCA could be measured. The detection limit for haemoglobin adducts of MOCA was below 10 fmol/g Hb, well below the levels found for occupationally exposed individuals. Capillary GC with electron-capture detection also had the required sensitivity for the determination of MOCA in blood samples, however, the presence of interfering compounds in some samples limited its use. The levels of MOCA in the blood and urine of five individuals who were exposed to MOCA during the manufacture of polyurethane elastomers were determined by the GC-MS method. The MOCA concentrations for the various blood fractions and urine were within the following ranges: haemoglobin adducts, 0.73-43.3 pmol MOCA/g Hb; plasma alkaline hydrolysate, 0.05-22.0 nmol/l; whole blood, 0.13-17.4 nmol/l; urine, 4.5-2390 nmol/l. Because the products of MOCA in the blood reflect metabolic activation of MOCA and integrate exposure over a period of weeks, the use of blood samples for monitoring exposure to MOCA offers advantages over the currently used urinary MOCA measurements.
This report describes the involvement of mine management personnel at U.S. mines in providing environmental and medical services related to respiratory health. The data were obtained by means of a questionnaire that was administered to mine management personnel at 491 mines and mills during May 1984 to August 1989. The data indicate that 62% of U.S. miners worked at facilities that provided at least a portion of workers with chest X-rays, and 41% worked at facilities that provided at least a portion of workers with pulmonary function tests. Eighty-five percent of miners worked at facilities in which the company required a medical examination of all new employees; the majority were required by company policy to have a medical examination before returning to work after an illness. However, only 2% of miners were required by company policy to have an exit medical examination when their employment ended. This report underscores the need for respiratory health to remain a primary concern of all persons who provide occupational health services to miners.