JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Exposure to metalworking fluids (MWF) aerosols also known as oil mist has been related to a series of adverse health outcomes (cancer, respiratory diseases). The present project focuses on the effects of occupational exposure to MWF on a panel of exposure and effect biomarkers in an epidemiological study. The assumption is that different health outcomes are caused by reactive particles causing oxidative stress leading to airways inflammation and ultimately chronic respiratory diseases like cancer or asthma. In this study, we aim to assess whether MWF exposure is associated with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation effects as well as genotoxic effects.

Objective:

To identify exposure determinants that best predict the exposure factors related to health effects and thus target those in order to develop exposure reduction strategies. Following relationship will be explored: between the exposure determinants and the exposure factors, between occupational exposure and pre-clinical and clinical effect markers, between exposure biomarkers and biomarkers of effect in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and Urine and finally between biomarkers of effect and genotoxic effects and respiratory symptoms.

Methods:

Ninety workers from France and Switzerland (30 controls, 30 exposed to straight MWF and 30 to aqueous MWF) will be followed over three consecutive days after a non-exposed period of at least two days. The exposure assessment is based on measurements such as the mass of MWF, of number of ultrafine particles, metals, aldehydes, and the intrinsic oxidative potential of aerosols. Furthermore, exposure biomarkers are measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and urine –metals, metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs )and nitrosamine. Oxidative stress effect biomarkers (malondialdéhyde, 8-isoprostane, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine, nitrates/nitrites) in EBC and urine will be repeatedly measured as well as exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), an airway inflammation marker. Genotoxic effects will be assessed using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. The statistical analyses will include: modelling exposure as a function of exposure determinants, modelling the evolution of the biomarkers of exposure and effect as a function of the measured exposure, modelling respiratory symptoms and genotoxic effects as a function of the assessed long-term exposure.

Results:

End 2018, 79 subjects from 14 companies have been included

Conclusions:

Conclusion : This integrative project will gain insights in the determinants of MWF exposure and its components that drive the physio-pathological effects, thus allowing a relevant prevention strategy to be developed. The biomarkers collected in this study all in non-invasive matrices might be proposed to survey the health of workers exposed to MWF in an occupational setting.