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ALVEOLAR BREATH SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS IN HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT STUDIES
Citation:
Lindstrom, A B. AND J D. Pleil. ALVEOLAR BREATH SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS IN HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT STUDIES. Presented at NATO Advanced Study Institute Conference "Disease Markers in Exhaled Breath: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Applications", Crete, Greece, June 22-July 1, 2001.
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of this task is to develop state-of-the-art methods for measuring xenobiotic compounds, to include the isolation of the analyte from the appropriate matrix (extraction), preconcentration (typically sorbent-based), and analysis via GC/MS and/or LC/MS. Once established, these methods will be applied in small scale pilot studies or demonstration projects. Particular emphasis will be placed on methods which are readily transferable to other laboratories, including those within the Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD), the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), other EPA Laboratories, Program Offices, Regions, and academic institutions.
Specific objectives of this task include the following:
1) Development of GC/MS and LC/MS methods for the measurement of key xenobiotic compounds and their metabolites (to include the pyrethroid pesticides, perfluorinated organic compounds, and the BFRs) in relevant environmental and biological matrices.
2) Development of efficient low cost methods for the extraction and clean up of these compounds collected from relevant matrices.
3) Determination of xenobiotic compound and metabolite concentrations in samples derived from laboratory and field monitoring studies to help assess exposures and evaluate associated risks.
Description:
Alveolar breath sampling and analysis can be extremely useful in exposure assessment studies involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Over recent years scientists from the EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory have developed and refined an alveolar breath collection and analysis technique that has been applied in a wide range of investigations. This lecture covers the development of this breath collection technique in the laboratory and the application of this methodology in a range of field studies. This work demonstrates how exhaled breath analysis can be used to clearly demonstrate recent exposures to VOCs, to determine compound-specific elimination kinetics, and to assess the relative importance of each exposure route (i.e., dermal, ingestion, inhalation). Previously published studies to be reviewed demonstrating the use of breath sampling include: an assessment of exposures related to the residential use of contaminated groundwater; exposures to gasoline and fuel additives at self-service gas stations; swimmers' exposures to trihalomethanes; route-specific exposure analysis involving methyl tertiary-butyl ether; and occupational exposures to jet fuel vapors. Techniques of breath collection and analysis will be reviewed in this context. Further potential application of these techniques in related studies will be discussed.
This work has been funded wholly by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It has been subjected to Agency review and approved for publication.