Czech-U.S. Epa Health Study: Assessment of Personal and Ambient Air Exposures to Pah and Organic Mutagens in the Teplice District of Northern Bohemia

Abstract

For over 40 years the Northern Bohemia area of the Czech Republic has been characterized by heavy industrialization, open pit mining, and utilization of high sulfur brown coal by industry and in residential home heating. These conditions have resulted in severe environmental pollution and concern over evidence of adverse health effects for residents in the region. Beginning in August 1991, Czech scientists from the Teplice District Institute of Hygiene and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency researchers from the Health Effects Research Laboratory and the Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory cooperated in conducting pilot studies in the Teplice District, which is centrally located in the industrialized area. These studies determined ambient concentrations and personal exposures to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic mutagens. Active personal air samplers were used in personal exposure studies of coal miners, policemen and other workers in the Teplice district. Stationary medium-volume (PM₁₀) and high-volume (PM_2.5 and TSP) samplers were also used to collect ambient air samples. Personal sampler results from 24 h sampling in January 1992 of a group of Teplice policemen showed BaP exposures averaged 40 ng/m³. Ambient high-volume (HiVol) air sampling results from 12 h nighttime samples collected in Teplice between February 17 and March 27, 1992 showed particle-associated BaP averaged 12 ng/m³ and ranged from 2–34 ng/m³. The sixteen PAHs that were quantified averaged 131 ng/m³ for the same time periods. Approximately 50% of the particle-bound PAH concentrations in Teplice air resulted from compounds that are carcinogenic in animals. Mutagen concentrations and potency were determined by the Ames plate incorporation assay. The mutagenic potency of extractable organics from ambient air particles was higher than those for U.S. residential areas that are heavily impacted by wood smoke but similar to those from US. cities more heavily impacted by vehicle emissions. This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.