IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

The use of urinary o-cresol levels as an indicator of occupational exposure to toluene: Development and validation of a new tool

Abstract

Many agencies consider current toluene exposure levels too high and have recommended lowering exposure limits. Should these limits be lowered, it will be necessary to adopt a biological monitoring indicator which is more sensitive than the one currently used; the measurement of urinary ortho-cresol levels has been proposed for this purpose. To validate this new marker, an analytical method for urinary ortho-cresol was developed. Urinary excretion of this metabolite was well correlated to toluene exposure, both under controlled experimental conditions and in the workplace. The results confirm the value of urinary ortho-cresol levels as a marker of toluene exposure.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0092-0610
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 1998
Team:
  • Ginette Truchon (IRSST)
  • Robert Tardif (Université de Montréal)
  • Jules Brodeur (Université de Montréal)