3,4-DICHLOROANILINE-HEMOGLOBIN ADDUCTS IN HUMANS - PRELIMINARY DATA ON AGRICULTURAL-WORKERS EXPOSED TO PROPANIL

Propanil is one of the major herbicides used on rice-paddies and is th ought to produce adverse health effects through the action of its meta bolite 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA). The feasibility of monitoring hu man exposure to propanil on the basis of 3,4-DCA adducts to haemoglobi n (Hb) was investigated. We developed a method based on gas chromatogr aphy negative ion chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (NICI-GC-MS) t o quantify 3,4-DCA released from human Hb after alkaline hydrolysis of the protein. 3,4-DCA-Hb adducts were identified in agricultural worke rs exposed to propanil and were detectable even 4 months after the las t herbicide application. Urine samples collected at the same time had no measurable level of 3,4-DCA. 3,4-DCA-Hb adducts might be useful for monitoring human exposure to 3,4-DCA from agricultural sources.