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The exposure of workers in various environments to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was assessed by the determination of a marker-metabolite in urine. The high level of 1-hydroxypyrene in the urine of an operator of a creosote-impregnating plant suggested substantial exposure to PAHs. A fast-excreting component with a half-life of 1–2 days and a slow-excreting component with a half-life of 16 days were found. Preliminary results of a study among road workers laying asphalt showed increased levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene with tar-blended asphalt or tar-blended asphalt mix was applied. A significant increase in the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level of workers exposed to diesel exhaust gases was not found. Neither experimental exposure of rats, nor the exposure of workers in industry to black newspaper printing ink, revealed an enhanced level of urinary hydroxypyrene. A trace amount of 1-hydroxypyrene was found in the urine of referents. Smoking seems to contribute little to the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene excretion.
Jongeneelen et al. (Fri,) studied this question.