Effect of acrylate chemistry on human health

Abstract

Objectives. The prospective cohort study of 1992–1999 describes the effect of occupational exposure to chemical substances in the production of acrylic acid, acrylic acid esters and acrylate dispersions at the various workplaces of one chemical plant.

Methods. Exposure to selected chemicals (acrylonitrile, n-butanol, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, toluene, and styrene) was determined by personal passive dosimetry (GC/MS method). The annual examinations included general health, by guided interview, a general medical examination, hematological and biochemical examinations, examination of the parameters of serum immunity and selected tumor markers, and spirometry. The authors also repeatedly performed cytogenetic analysis of human peripheral lymphocytes.

Results. The authors followed a group of 120 employees (60 exposed, 60 controls), mean age 40±8 years in both groups, with average period of exposure to chemicals (exposed group) 13±5 years. The measured concentrations of chemicals in the working atmosphere were generally low; maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) values or suggested limits of certain chemicals were occasionally exceeded (most frequently for butyl acrylate). The results of the examination of the workers over the 8 years have not revealed any marked differences between the exposed and control groups that could be attributable solely to the acrylate exposure.

Conclusions. Exposure to chemical substances at the workplace was relatively low, the limits being exceeded only sporadically (each such case was investigated at the workplace), and the level of exposure continues to decrease gradually over the years. Considering the fact that the exposed individuals are expected to work for 23 additional years on average, we feel that long-term monitoring of selected health-related parameters, not including tumor markers, appears desirable. The examination of tumor markers has not contributed to the problem evaluation for a number of false-positive results.