Effects of catechol on human subjects: a field survey
Hirosawa, I.; Asaeda, G.; Arizono, H.; Shimbo, S.; Ikeda, M.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 37(2): 107-114
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-0131 PMID: 1279008 Document Number: 100232
Physical examination was carried out on 13 workers exposed to vapors of catechol and phenol. The intensity of exposure was such that the average concentrations of catechol and phenol were 1.8 ppb and 55.6 ppb, respectively, with an occasional peak up to 70 ppb and 260 ppb, respectively. Chief complaints of the workers were related to upper respiratory tract, which were confirmed by Cornell Medical Index [CMI] Health Questionnaire and by clinical examination. Possible disturbance of catecholamine metabolism, hematopoiesis or hepatic and renal functions was ruled out. Biological half-life of catechol, calculated from the result of the factory survey and rat experiments, was comparable to that of phenol. No evidence was obtained to suggest metabolic inhibition between phenol and catechol. A colorimetric method for determination of catechol in air and in urine in the presence of phenol is described.