New biomarker for colophony exposure

Urinary DHA is a valid biomarker of exposure to colophony in solder fume. The methodology involves hydrolisation with concentrated HCl, extraction with diethtl ether and evaporation under nitrogen before analysis with gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection using positive impact ionisation. There is a good correlation between post-shift urine measurements and air measurements. Good occupational hygiene practice would result in urinary DHA levels of <3 µmol/mol creatinine in a post-shift urine sample.

References

	Baldwin PEJ, Cain JR, Fletcher R, Jones K, Warren N, Dehydroabietic acid as a biomarker for exposure to colophony, Occup Med, 2007;57:362-366,

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