Occupational health survey on workers exposed to 2-bromopropane at low concentrations

Background Recent case studies in Korea and animal studies revealed the rep roductive and hematopoietic toxicity of 2-bromopropane introduced into work places as an alternative to ozone-layer depleting chlorofluorocarbons. We a imed to clarify the dose-effect relationship of 2-bromopropane in workers. Method The exposure concentration of 2-bromopropane and hematological indic es, hormonal levels, menstruation status, and sperm indices were examined i n 25 workers (11 males, 14 females) at a 2-bromopropane factory. Regression analyses of the examined indices against time-weighted average (TWA) of ex posure concentration were conducted. Results Amenorrhea or polymenorrhea was observed only in older females. Hem atological indices had a significant relation with TWA of exposure concentr ation in females with normal menstruation. However no other indices showed any significant relation with TWA of 2-bromopropane. Conclusions No severe cases of reproductive or hematopoietic disorders were found at less than 10 ppm (TWA), but a possible adverse effect of 2-bromop ropane on hematopoiesis could not be disproved. Am. J. Ind. Med 35:523-531, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.