USING THE BLOOD-CONCENTRATION OF 2,5-DIMETHYLFURAN AS A MARKER FOR SMOKING

Correct analysis of whole blood volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in e valuating possible exposure situations requires differentiation of smo kers from nonsmokers. Whole blood concentrations of 2,5-dimethylfuran are determined using an internal standard method, and the concentratio ns of this compound are evaluated as a marker for smoking in exposure- study subjects, Results indicate that the concentration of 2,5-dimethy lfuran can be adequately determined in whole blood by a method already in use for determining VOCs in blood. The whole blood concentration o f 2,5-dimethylfuran was an excellent predictor of smoking when compare d with positive responses about smoking on questionnaires. Using a det ection limit of 0.024 ppb, 2,5-dimethylfuran concentrations in blood c orrectly identified the smoking status of 96.4% of the subjects in thi s study, The blood 2,5-dimethylfuran concentration was linearly relate d to the number of cigarettes smoked per day. This method is advantage ous since blood 2,5-dimethylfuran concentrations can be determined usi ng the same method used to determine concentrations of other VOCs, thu s obviating the need for additional analytical procedures.