Efficacy of urinary monitoring for 4,4'-methylenebis (2-chloroaniline).

The aromatic amine 4,4'-methylenebis (2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA), an animal carcinogen, is used commercially as a curing agent for isocyanate-containing polymers. It is structurally similar to other aromatic amines that cause bladder cancer in occupationally exposed workers. Since the late 1970s, MBOCA users have relied on urinary monitoring as the primary method of assessing MBOCA exposure in the workplace. This paper (1) outlines uncertainties about MBOCa's metabolism in humans that complicate interpretation of urinary MBOCA results; (2) describes alternative laboratory techniques for measuring MBOCA in urine; and (3) discusses observations from site visits concerning the practical application of urinary monitoring. Recommendations to improve the efficacy of monitoring programs for urinary MBOCA are outlined.