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Effect of physical workload on retention and metabolism of inhaled organic solvents a comparative theoretical approach and its applications with regards to exposure monitoring

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Summary

The effect of physical workload on the retention and metabolism of organic solvents has been studied. The relationships obtained contain the alveolar ventilation and a new parameter M (apparent metabolic clearance) determined by the blood solubility of the solvent and the metabolic clearance of the body. It is seen that the influence of physical workload on retention and metabolism is maximal for those compounds which are the most soluble in blood and/or metabolized most significantly (high value of M). These results were then used in the context of repeated exposures and discussed with regards to the control of industrial exposure to organic solvents. Furthermore, a differentiated reduction of the TLV concentrations is proposed according to the intensity of the work carried out and the nature of the solvent. The results thus obtained can be used as a guide in exposure monitoring and indicate in which cases physical effort becomes a determinant or insignificant factor.

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Droz, P.O., Fernandez, J.G. Effect of physical workload on retention and metabolism of inhaled organic solvents a comparative theoretical approach and its applications with regards to exposure monitoring. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 38, 231–246 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00378335

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00378335

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