Internal contamination of gloves: routes and consequences.

The effect of internal glove contamination was investigated using N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as a biological marker to assess systemic absorption when wearing internally contaminated gloves, and when not wearing gloves but subjected to the same challenge contaminant. The routes by which the insides of gloves become contaminated were also investigated. The area of dermal contamination was quantified using a fluorescent tracer dye and a surface monitoring fluorimeter.

Determination of nitroglycerin and its dinitrate metabolites in urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as potential biomarkers for occupational exposure.

This paper describes a method for the quantitative analysis of nitroglycerin and its dinitrate metabolites (1,2- and 1,3-glycerol dinitrate) in urine. After liquid-liquid extraction the analytes were separated and quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with negative ion chemical ionisation. The method can detect above 0.

Biological monitoring of nitroglycerin exposure by urine analysis.

Historically biological monitoring to assess exposure has been difficult due to the rapid half-life of NG. However, the recent development of a method to assess NG and its metabolites (glycerol dinitrates, GDNs) in urine has made biological monitoring more feasible. The data reported here result from samples taken from three sites using NG.

Dermal exposure to aqueous solutions of N-methyl pyrrolidone.

N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) is a substance widely used for its strong and selective solvent capacity. The strong potential NMP has for skin absorption makes biological monitoring ideal for exposure assessment. This study looked at brief exposures to NMP in aqueous solutions over a range of concentrations.

Estimation of the dermal absorption of m-xylene vapor in humans using breath sampling and physiologically based pharmacokinetic analysis.

A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model, containing a skin compartment, was derived and used to simulate experimentally determined exposure to m-xylene, using human volunteers exposed under controlled conditions. Biological monitoring was conducted by sampling, in exhaled alveolar air and blood, m-xylene and urinary methyl hippuric acid concentrations. The dermal absorption of m-xylene vapor was successfully and conveniently studied using a breath sampling technique, and the contribution to m-xylene body burden from the dermal route of exposure was estimated to be 1.

Successful late treatment of venous air embolism with hyperbaric oxygen.

A case of haemodialysis-associated venous air embolism is described. The patient commenced hyperbaric oxygen therapy 21 hours after the event when, despite appearing decerebrate, he made a complete recovery. This case underlines the importance of all clinicians being aware of those centres with facilities for hyperbaric therapy and the need to refer all patients with cerebral air embolism even following a prolonged delay.