The Urinary S-PMA Test reflects recent levels of exposure. ABB’s test generates cost-effective and timely results and has been designed and configured to facilitate high throughput screening. Test results have enabled judicious reviews of working practices and processes in order to implement more effective procedures of exposure control.

Case studies are now being documented. Moreover, benzene biomonitoring results have enabled the construction of a growing database of occupational exposure to benzene in diverse sectors of industry. Several plants have found various levels of exposure despite operating with ‘best practices’. Biomonitoring on a regular basis has enabled these plants to improve their practices and reduce the exposure to minimum acceptable levels.

Duration after exposure that urine samples may reflect benzene exposure levels:

The time for urine S-PMA levels to peak following an acute benzene exposure is variable due to differences in rate of benzene metabolism between individuals and varying degrees and routes of exposure.

To ensure peak levels of S-PMA are not missed, the recommendation is to collect urine samples after the end of the shift or an hour after any exposure incident, and to follow up with further samples after 9-12 hours and 24 hours. This should enable S-PMA concentrations to be charted and assist the interpretation of results.

Does a Phenol Test accurately reflect benzene exposure levels?

It is documented in the literature that urinary phenol is not suitable as a biomarker for benzene exposure at levels below approximately 5 ppm. When proposals, from 10 years ago, to lower occupational exposure limit values for benzene from 10 ppm to 1 ppm were adopted, the measurement of urinary phenol was no longer sufficiently sensitive to meet these requirements.

Recommended 4-Step Implementation Strategy:

If you are responsible for the Health & Safety of employees in a workplace where they may be exposed to benzene, you may wish to consider the following strategy:

Step 1: Training & Sample Collection:

§ Training: Educating staff at each ‘site’ about the benefits of benzene biomonitoring and the value it adds to monitoring airborne levels of benzene.

§ Sample Collection: Laboratories currently offering the Urinary S-PMA test are in the UK, Canada and Malaysia. Initial arrangements to offer the test in the United States are in progress.

Step 2: Establishing Control Procedures:

Designed to enable you to be ready for an emergency exposure situation, and will typically involve the following elements:

§ Urine sample collection, stabilizing & storage of samples

§ Mailing of samples by courier to the UK or Canada

§ Defining ‘background’ exposure

§ Discussion of confidentiality of results with the employees etc.

Step 3: Establishing Site Data Collection Procedures:

Practicing ‘pre’ and ‘post’ exposure trials to establish a database for each site at the same time providing operating experience and the evaluation of operating procedures.