Occupational exposure to tetrachloroethene and its effects on the kidneys

Occupational exposure to tetrachloroethene (TCE) has been reported to cause early adverse effects on the kidneys. We investigated the effects of TCE e xposure on the kidneys in 82 exposed and 19 nonexposed workers from four dr y-cleaning shops in The Netherlands. The mean inhaled amount of TCE in the exposed group, which was assessed by determination of its concentration in alveolar air samples, was 8.4 mg/m(3) (range, 2.2-44.6 mg/m(3)). This value corresponds to a mean 8-hour time-weighted average exposure of 7.9 mg/m(3) (range, 1-221 mg/m(3)). A chronic dose index (CDI) was estimated from data on the current TCE dose and the occupational history of the individual sub jects. The mean CDI in the exposed group was 400 months x mg/m(3) (range, 1 2-4882 months x mg/m(3)). Effects on the tubules were assessed with the par ameters N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, beta-galactosidase, alanine aminop eptidase, and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in urine. Early effects on the glomeruli were monitored with the parameter albumin in urine. Total protein in urine was determined for the general assessment of effects on the glome ruli and tubules. The tubular parameter REP was increased in the exposed gr oup, compared with the nonexposed group. None of the other parameters diffe red between the study groups, and none of the renal-effect parameters corre lated with the TCE dose or the CDI. In conclusion, occupational exposure to TCE may cause a minor effect on the tubular REP at exposure levels below t he Dutch occupational exposure limit (240 mg/m(3)).