Hydrogen fluoride

Epidemiological data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

epidemiological data

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

1995

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Single epidemiology study

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Sister-chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of workers at a phosphate fertilizer factory.

Author:

Meng Z, Meng H & Cai X

Year:

1995

Bibliographic source:

Mutat Res. 1995, Apr; 334(2):243-6

Materials and methods

Study type:

case control study (retrospective)

Endpoint addressed:

genetic toxicity

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline available

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Investigation of SCE incidence in workers.

GLP compliance:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Hydrogen fluoride

EC Number:

231-634-8

EC Name:

Hydrogen fluoride

Cas Number:

7664-39-3

Molecular formula:

FH

IUPAC Name:

hydrogen fluoride

Details on test material:

The main pollutants in the factory were reported to be HF and SiF4.

Method

Details on study design:

The subjects were 40 workers mainly exposed to HF and SiF4; controls were 40 unversity workers matched by age, sex and smoking habits SCE frequency was measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes from controls 1000 cells and workers (935 cells).

Exposure assessment:

measured

Results and discussion

Results:

The mean number of SCEs / cell were higher in workers (7.47 +/- 0.31) comparted to controls (4.94 +/- 0.14); p<0.01. Correlation was seen between the length of exposure and SCE frequency, with SCE values of 6.88 +/-0.38, 9.08 +/ 0.47 and 7.12 +/-0.92 for workers with <5 years. 5-10 years and >10 years exposure respectively. SCE frequencies were also higher in smokers (7.98 +/- 0.35) than non-smokers (6.24 +/- 0.70).

Confounding factors:

Subjects were matched for age, sex and smoking.

Any other information on results incl. tables

The mean number of SCEs / cell were higher in workers (7.47 +/- 0.31) comparted to controls (4.94 +/- 0.14); p<0.01. Correlation was seen between the length of exposure and SCE frequency, with SCE values of 6.88 +/-0.38, 9.08 +/ 0.47 and 7.12 +/-0.92 for workers with <5 years. 5-10 years and >10 years exposure respectively. SCE frequencies were also higher in smokers (7.98 +/- 0.35) than non-smokers (6.24 +/- 0.70). The authors state that mitotic delay was seen in the lymphocytes of exposed workers.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

The authors report an association between SCE induction and expousre to chemical pollutants (including HF) in workers at a phosphate fertiliser factory in China, the value of the study is limited given the exposure to a numbre of different substances.

Executive summary:

The frequencies of sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 40 workers at a phosphate fertilizer factory in North China were studied. HF and SiF4 were stated to be the main air pollutants, but workers were also exposed to dust containing fluoride, phosphate fog, NH3 and SO2. A higher incidence of lymphocyte SCEs, and mitotic delay is reported in workers. SCE frequencies of the workers increased with length of the chemical exposure period up to 10 years. Smoking enhanced the SCE frequencies induced by the chemicals. The value of the study is limited given the exposure to a numbre of different substances.