Potential biomarkers of exposure and effect among glass craftsmen and braziers exposed to nitrogen oxides

The purpose of this research was to determine occupational exposure of glass craftsmen and braziers to inhaled nitrogen oxides (nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide) and to relate this to urinary nitrate, hydroxyproline and thioethers and to breath pentane. The glass craftsmen were exposed to nitrogen oxides at levels exceeding the occupational exposure standard and higher than braziers or controls. Urinary nitrate excretion was elevated. In these exposed workers hydroxyproline, thioethers and breath pentane were all elevated compared with controls and higher than in braziers who were less exposed. There was, however, only a correlation between individual levels of exposure (nitrogen oxides in the breathing zone) and breath pentane and there were no individual correlations between markers of effect and excretion of nitrate in the urine at the sample time.