Exposure of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and dose-related excretion of metabolites in urine of printing workers.

The quantitative relationship between the time-weighted average exposure by inhalation to 1,1,1-trichloroethane and excretion of metabolites in urine at the end of a work shift was investigated in 48 male printing workers exposed to the solvent at levels below 65 ppm. Male control subjects, 10 in all, were also investigated. Statistical analysis showed that there is a linear relationship between the two exposure indicators, suggesting that occupational exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane can be bio-monitored by means of urinalysis for either total trichloro-compounds or trichloroacetic acid. The correlation coefficient was higher for total trichloro-compounds (r = 0.86-0.89 depending on correction for urine density) than trichloroacetic acid (r = 0.50-0.71), which suggests that the former is a better indicator of exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane than the latter. The calculations based on the present study suggest that, at the end of the shift, only less than 2% of 1,1,1-trichloroethane absorbed will be excreted as metabolites in urine.