Toxicokinetics of inhaled trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in humans at 1 ppm: empirical results and comparisons with previous studies.

Trichloroethylene (TRI) and tetrachloroethylene (TETRA) are solvents that have been widely used in a variety of industries, and both are widespread environmental contaminants. In order to provide a better basis for understanding their toxicokinetics at environmental exposures, seven human volunteers were exposed by inhalation to 1 ppm of TRI or TETRA for 6 h, with biological samples collected for analysis during exposure and up to 6-days postexposure. Concentrations of TRI, TETRA, free trichloroethanol (TCOH), total TCOH (free TCOH plus glucuronidated TCOH), and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) were determined in blood and urine; TRI and TETRA concentrations were measured in alveolar breath.

Percutaneous absorption of m-xylene vapour in volunteers during pre-steady and steady state.

Percutaneous absorption of m-xylene (XYL) was determined in volunteers exposed to 29.4 microg cm(-3) XYL vapour on the forearm and hand for 20, 45, 120 and 180 min. The internal exposure was assessed by measuring the concentration of XYL in exhaled air.