Blood volatile organic compounds associated with non-reversible and reversible airflow obstruction in US adults. Issue 5 (17th November 2022) - Mendy, Angelico
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and styrene (BTEXS) and trihalomethanes are carbon-containing chemicals that readily evaporate at room temperature [1]. VOCs are ubiquitous, mainly in indoor environments, but are also present outdoors, and are commonly found in cigarettes, degreasers, solvents, detergents, deodorisers, paints, furniture, pesticides and personal care products [1]. Additionally, trihalomethanes travel into the air when showering with chlorinated water or washing dishes [1]. Due to inhalation being the main route of exposure to VOCs, these chemicals have raised concerns for respiratory health [2]. In vitro and animal experimental studies have shown that VOCs such as chlorobenzene, styrene and xylene have been shown to trigger inflammation in lung epithelial cell lines [3]. In this study sample representative of the US adult population, blood xylenes, bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane are associated with non-reversible airflow obstruction, whereas blood styrene is associated with reversible airflow obstruction https://bit.ly/3ybdyQa