Changes of urinary metabolites for the painting workers in the shipyard

Mandelic acid, hipputic acid and orth- or meta-methylhippuric acid were estimated in the urine of ten painting workers in the shipyard, and then atmospheric analysis of the organic solvents in working places was also performed. From gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer assay, toluene, xylene and other organic solvents were detected in the atmosphere of working places. The concentration of orth- or meta-methylhippuric acid in the urine of ten workers showed low level before work and high kevek after work. Statistical analysis of the urinary concentration of the metabolites showed that there were the significant correlation between orth-methylhippuric acid and meta-methylihippuric acid, and between mandelic acid and orth- or meta-methylhippuric acid. After taking a soft drink containing sodium benxoic acid, high concentration of hippuric acid was determined in the urine. Therefore, when we perform the accurate urinary analysis of the metabolites of organic solvents, it must be considered that the worker takes a soft drink containing benzoic acid or not.