MACROMOLECULAR ADDUCTS IN THE USE OF METHYL-BROMIDE AS FUMIGANT

An HPLC method for analysis of blood protein adducts of methyl bromide was developed. With this method, the alkylated amino acid S-methylcys teine can be quantified both in globin and in serum albumin. The deter mination of these adducts was implemented in a field study on fumigato rs who use methyl bromide for the control of insects, nematodes and fu ngi. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was determined in the lymphocytes of the fumigators as an additional biomonitoring parameter. Exposure of persons living in the vicinity of fumigated objects to methyl bromi de has been repeatedly reported in the past. The new method for determ ination of blood protein adducts can be applied for evaluation of such environmental exposure.