Skip to main content
Log in

Volatile metabolites in occupational exposure to organic sulfur compounds

  • Original Investigations
  • Published:
Archives of Toxicology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Dimethyl sulfide in breath was determined by the gas chromatographic method in 14 persons exposed to organic reduced sulfur compounds in sulfate pulp mills. Dimethyl sulfide concentrations in breath (range 0.04–0.69 cm3/m3 were compared to the combined work-place concentrations of methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide. This method of analysis proved to be a practical noninvasive way to assess recent exposure, and therefore it should be applicable to workplaces contaminated with organic sulfur compounds in the pulp industry.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Al Mardini H, Leonard J, Bartlett K, Lloyd S, Record CO (1988) Effect of methionine loading and endogenous hypermethioninaemia on blood mercaptans in man. Clin Chim Acta 176: 83–90

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blom HJ, Tangerman A (1988) Methanethiol metabolism in whole blood. J Lab Clin Med 111: 606–610

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blom HJ, Chamuleau RAFM, Rothuizen J, Deutz NEP, Tangerman A (1990) Methanethiol metabolism and its role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy in rats and dogs. Hepatology 11: 682–689

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson JH, Andersson LA, Sono M (1983) The diverse spectroscopic properties of ferrous cytochrome P-450-CAM ligand complexes. J Biol Chem 258: 13637–13645

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jaakkola JJK, Vilkka V, Marttila O, Jäppinen P, Haahtela T (1990) The South Karelia air pollution study: the effects of malodorous sulfur compounds from pulp mills on respiratory and other symptoms. Annu Rev Respir Dis 142: 1344–1350

    Google Scholar 

  • Jäppinen P, Tenhunen R (1990) Hydrogen sulphide poisoning: blood sulphide concentration and changes in haem metabolism. Br J Ind Med 47: 283–285

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jäppinen P, Tola S (1990) Cardiovascular mortality among pulp mill workers. Br J Ind Med 47: 259–262

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kangas J, Jäppinen P, Savolainen H (1984) Exposure to hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans and sulfur dioxide in pulp industry. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 45: 787–790

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kangas J, Nevalainen A, Manninen A, Savolainen H (1986) Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptides in Finnish municipal sewage plants and pumping stations. Sci Tot Environ 57: 49–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liesivuori J, Savolainen H (1987) Urinary formic acid as an indicator of occupational exposure to formic acid and methanol. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 48: 32–34

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Namiesnik J (1984) Generation of standard gaseous mixtures. J Chromatogr 100: 79–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polak E, Fetison G, Fombon A-M, Skalli A (1988) Structure-odor relationships for “catty”-smelling mercapto compounds in humans. J Agric Fd Chem 36: 355–359

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Susman JL, Hornig JF, Thomas SC, Smith RP (1978) Pulmonary excretion of hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide in mice. Drug Chem Toxicol 1: 327–338

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Terazawa K, Kaji H, Akabane H, Takatori T (1991) Determination of dimethyl sulphide in blood and adipose tissue by headspace gas analysis. J Chromatogr Biomed Appl565: 453–456

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wever R, van Gelder BF, Dervatanian DV (1975) Biochemical and biophysical studies on cytochrome c oxidase. XX. Reaction with sulphide. Biochim Biophys Acta 387: 189–199

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jäppinen, P., Kangas, J., Silakoski, L. et al. Volatile metabolites in occupational exposure to organic sulfur compounds. Arch Toxicol 67, 104–106 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01973679

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01973679

Key words

Navigation