Evaluation of occupational exposure to N-nitrosamines in a rubber-manufacturing industry

Objective: We sought to determine volatile N-nitrosamines levels in the air of a rubber-manufacturing industry and to measure urinary N-nitrosamines concentrations in exposed workers. Methods: Personal monitoring of 34 workers was performed by sampling nine airborne N-nitrosamines in four factories that manufactured rubber drive belts for automotive engines. Urinary N-nitrosamine levels were determined in all workers and in a control group of 26 subjects. Analyses were conducted by capillary gaschromatography-thermal energy analyzer. Results: Airborne and urinary N-nitrosamines levels were very low and, in most cases, below the limit of detection (0.06 μg/m3 and 0.1 μg/L, respectively). Conclusions: Although airborne and urinary N-nitrosamines levels were found to be very low, exposed workers should still be monitored constantly because some of these substances are known to be genotoxic and carcinogenic.