Objectives
To compare differences in pre- and post-shift urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1OHP) levels as a measure of internal dose of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) between two groups of oil production workers offshore assumed to be exposed to PAH, and to compare
the exposed group to an unexposed control group.
Methods
Participants’ (n = 42) urine samples, collected over a study period of three consecutive 12-h work days (pre-shift on the first day and post-shift
on the third day), were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Analysis
of covariance was used in the statistical models.
Results
(1) Post-shift 1OHP levels were significantly higher in the exposed workers compared to the controls. (2) Tank workers and
process operators did not show statistically significant different post-shift 1OHP levels.
Conclusion
Altogether, this study indicates the presence of a low level PAH exposure among offshore oil production workers.
Keywords Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - PAH - 1-Hydroxypyrene - Offshore - Biological monitoring - Crude oil exposure