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VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AS EXPOSURE BIOMARKERS
Citation:
Lindstrom, A B. AND J D. Pleil. VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AS EXPOSURE BIOMARKERS. First Edition, N. Marczin & M.H. Yacoub (ed.), Disease Markers in Exhaled Breath. IOS Press, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 346, (2002).
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 US Environmental Protection Agency's National Exposure Research Laboratory have developed and refined an alveolar breath collection and analysis technique called the Single Breath Canister (SBC) method which has been applied in a wide range of investigations. This review covers the development of this breath collection technique in the laboratory and the application of this methodology in a range of field studies. Together these studies show how exhaled breath analysis can be used to clearly demonstrate recent exposures to VOCs, to determine compound-specific uptake and elimination kinetics, and to assess the relative importance of various exposure routes (i.e., dermal, ingestion, inhalation) in multipathway scenarios. Specific investigations covered in this overview 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; and occupational exposures to jet fuel vapors.
This work has been funded wholly by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It has been subjected to Agency review and approved for publication.