Ten car mechanics frequently exposed to glycol-based cooling liquids w
ere followed during a workshift. Airborne ethylene and propylene glyco
l concentrations in the car mechanics' environment were measured; The
car mechanics gave urine samples after the workshift and their excreti
on of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, oxalic acid, calcium and ammo
nia was analysed and compared to that of unexposed office workers. Uri
nary succinate dehydrogenase activity and glycosaminoglycans were also
measured in both groups. Airborne ethylene and propylene glycol conce
ntrations in the car mechanics' environment were negligible. Urinary e
thylene glycol excretion in exposed workers was significantly higher t
han that in unexposed workers, but propylene glycol excretion was at t
he same level as in controls. In the exposed group, the excretion of t
he end metabolite of ethylene glycol, oxalic acid (47 +/- 11 mmol/mol
creatinine, mean +/- SD, n = 10) differed slightly from that of contro
ls (36 +/- 14 mmol/mol creatinine, mean +/- SD, n = 10). Urinary excre
tion of ammonia was higher among exposed workers than office workers.
The excretion of calcium did not differ from that of controls. A margi
nally decreased urinary succinate dehydrogenase activity was found in
the exposed men. The excretion of glycosaminoglycans was significantly
lower in exposed workers. Therefore, it seems that ethylene glycol is
absorbed by skin contact. The internal body burden is associated with
oxaluria and increased ammoniagenesis typical of chronic acidosis.