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Perchloroethylene exposure in 28 dry-cleaning establishments and in 25 homes occupied by dry cleaners in Modena, Italy, was investigated. Environmental air samples and alveolar air samples from dry cleaners (n = 60) and from their family members (n = 23) were collected. The degree of perchloroethylene on the dry-cleaning premises varied widely from establishment to establishment. Spot sampling ranged from 0.6 to 75 mg/[m.sup.3], whereas sampling by personal passive dosimeters ranged from 2.6 to 221.5 mg/[m.sup.3] (8-h time weighted average values). Perchloroethylene in alveolar air samples collected at the end of the work day correlated closely with the 8-h time weighted average values (r = .750, p = .001), and correlated also with alveolar air samples collected at home in the evening (r = .665, p = 001) and the following morning (r = .549, p < .001). Perchloroethylene levels inside the homes of dry cleaners appeared significantly higher than in 29 houses selected as controls (Mann Whitney U test, p < .001). Perchloroethylene in alveolar air samples collected at home suggests that nonoccupational exposure to perchloroethylene for family members of dry cleaners exists., PERCHLOROETHYLENE (PCE) is a volatile halogenated compound used widely for dry cleaning and processing of textiles, in industrial metal degreasing, and in various solvent applications. Presently, PCE is the solvent [...]

Alveolar air samples were collected from 163 subjects at indoor swimming pools and from 77 nonexposed subjects. Chloroform was present in all samples collected from exposed subjects (median = 695.02 nmol/ [m.sup.3]). It was found at very low levels in 53% of samples from nonexposed subjects. Alveolar air chloroform levels from people attending indoor swimming pools (mean value within each sampling session) were correlated with environmental air concentration (r = 0.907, p = .002). Analysis of variance showed that levels of chloroform in alveolar air depend on environmental air concentration, age, intensity of the sport activity, and kind of swimming. Chloroform levels in samples collected from competitive swimmers versus nonswimming visitors were different (F = 10.911, p = .001). Moreover, their pattern of swimming may affect chloroform concentration in alveolar air. The analysis of chloroform in alveolar air assesses indoor exposure in healthy subjects simply and at low cost., TO DATE, investigations of public health problems of people attending swimming pools have focused mainly on microbiological water contamination. In an effort to minimize the risk of contamination, water is [...]

Chloroform (CHCl3) is produced by chemical reactions when sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) interacts with organic molecules in chlorinated swimming pool water. Chloroform levels build up both in the water and in the air of indoor swimming pools where the vapors are contained. The level of concentration in these situations is conditioned on may factors, including the number of persons using the pool, the level of turbulence produced by the swimmers and water circulators, and the ventilation of the building. Although visitors and swimmers who do not do vigorous exercise inhale chloroform, the maximum uptake is reserved for swimmers who breath under the stress of exertion for extended periods of time. Although chloroform is classified as a carcinogen on the basis of animal research, little is known about the epidemiologic implications for humans. This study evaluates the level of chloroform in the air and water of three different swimming pools, which were measured at 18 different times. The blood of 127 volunteers (81 males and 46 females), who frequently attended the pools, was also collected and analyzed. Similarly, the blood of 40 volunteers (controls), who had no know occupational exposure to chloroform, was also collected. The local drinking water supply was free of chloroform. None of the controls had chloroform levels greater than the detection level of the equipment. The blood of all 127 exposed volunteers had measurable levels of chloroform. Analysis showed that the blood chloroform level in this group was strongly correlated with the level of chloroform in the air and water, the number of swimmers in the pool, time spent swimming, and intensity of their exercise. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.), Plasma Chloroform Concentrations in Swimmers Using Indoor Swimming Pools CHLOROFORM ([CHCI.sub.3]) is present in indoor swimming pools as a consequence of water chlorination with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI). As a lipophilic [...]

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE of dry-cleaning personnel to perchloroethylene (PCE) has induced impairment of color vision.[1] This impairment, which is related to airborne concentrations of the solvent has been observed at environmental [...]

A three-year study was conducted on the occurrence of disinfection by-products (DBPs)—trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and haloacetonitriles—in drinking water of regions of Europe where epidemiology studies were being carried out. Thirteen systems in six countries (i.e., Italy, France, Greece, Lithuania, Spain, United Kingdom) were sampled. Typically chlorinated DBPs dominated. However, in most of Catalonia (Spain) and in Heraklion (Greece), brominated DBPs dominated. The degree of bromine incorporation into the DBP classes was in general similar among them. This is important, as brominated DBPs are a greater health concern. In parts of Catalonia, the reported levels of tribromoacetic acid were higher than in other parts of the world. In some regions, the levels of HAAs tended to be peaked in concentration in a different time period than when the levels of THMs peaked. In most epidemiology studies, THMs are used as a surrogate for other halogenated DBPs. This study provides exposure assessment information for epidemiology studies.

To evaluate associations between exposure to disinfection byproducts in drinking water and adverse birth outcomes, personal exposure to disinfection byproducts must take into consideration multiple routes of exposure.

Progression of perchloroethylene-induced color-vision impairment was studied in 33 dry-cleaner workers at 12 establishments in Modena, Italy. In an initial survey, we evaluated exposure with personal passive samplers, and we assessed color vision with the Lanthony D-15 desaturated panel. Two years later, workers were reexamined. In 19 workers (subgroup A), exposure to perchloroethylene had increased (median of 1.7 ppm versus 4.3 ppm, respectively), whereas in the remaining 14 workers (subgroup B) exposure was reduced (2.9 ppm versus 0.7 ppm, respectively). Color vision worsened in subgroup A, but no vision changes were apparent in subgroup B. The results indicated that an increase in exposure during a 2-y period, even if slight, can cause color vision to deteriorate. A similar slight reduction in exposure did not lead to color-vision improvement; perhaps this lack of improvement resulted from (a) an insufficient reduction in exposure, (b) an insufficient reduction in duration of exposure, or (c) irreversible perchloroethylene-induced color-vision loss.