Evaluating the effectiveness of a hand-washing intervention on dermal absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, DNA adducts, and 1-hydroxypyrene levels in automotive mechanic trainees

Automotive mechanics appear to be at excess risk of lung and urinary bladder cancer. Mechanics may be exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are known human carcinogens. The dermal route is thought to play a significant role in their exposures. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a simple intervention involving hand washing and education on dermal exposure to PAHs and subsequent levels of 1-OH pyrene in urine and DNA adducts in white blood cell lymphocytes.; A non-experimental study was used that included 38 automotive mechanic trainees from vocational schools in Ohio and Kentucky. Participants completed an exposure questionnaire upon study entry and provided an urine, blood and hand wipe sample. The participants received hand-cleaning products during the study and completed a hand washing frequency questionnaire at periodic visits to the schools for the collection of urine and hand wipe samples. This group was followed for 2–6 months.; Several endpoints were measured including dermal exposure to PAHs, and subsequent DNA adducts in leukocytes and 1-hydroxypyrene levels in urine. The self-reported performance of eight major engine tasks was assessed by questionnaire; these tasks were analyzed separately and as combined categories according to upper engine (i.e. valves, lifters, and pistons repairs), lower engine (i.e. bearings, rings, crankshafts, and oil pump repairs), and oil change. Dermal exposure to PAHs was measured by levels of pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benz[a]anthracene (B[a]A) in hand wipe samples and they varied from 0.027 to 6.67 μg/cm2. Pyrene (PYR) contamination in hand wipe samples did decrease following the intervention. An association of engine tasks and PAH exposure was evaluated and seen for PYR and B[a]A. The greatest UGEO exposure occurred while doing engine work. The levels of DNA adducts in leukocytes were 8.43 and 2.58 RAL in the pre- and post-intervention samples, respectively. Reductions in adduct levels following the intervention was seen in several samples.; This study demonstrated that automotive mechanic trainees did have dermal exposures to PAHs in UGEO, and that through a hand washing intervention and education, these exposures may be reduced.