The [N-15] nimethacetin liver function test characterizes multicomponent exposure of children in industrially polluted regions

The [N-15]methacetin urine test for assessing disturbances of the cytochrom e P-450-aided oxygenation of xenobiotics in the human liver has been approv ed in several environmental health studies. A recent longitudinal study of kindergarten children near chemical and mining companies undergoing fundame ntal restructuring showed high, seasonally fluctuating SO2 burden which was well correlated with alterations in the mean liver states of the children. At one point the correlation disappeared, together with indications of lar ge amounts of chlorinated compounds overflowing locally at nighttime. This was finally proven by analyzing urine Samples from the children for trichlo roacetic acid (TCA). Chlorinated ethanes and ethenes - the precursors of TC A - seemed to dominate the air pollution and to affect the hepatic detoxifi cation capacity. We concluded that the metbacetin liver function test refle cts multicomponent exposure, including acute monopolization by a dominant p ollutant for a time.