Control of industrial exposure to tetrachloroethylene by measuring alveolar concentrations: theoretical approach using a mathematical model.

Guberan, E. and Fernandez, J. (1974).British Journal of Industrial Medicine,31, 159-167. Control of industrial exposure to tetrachloroethylene by measuring alveolar concentrations: theoretical approach using a mathematical model. The uptake, distribution, and elimination of tetrachloroethylene were studied using a mathematical model, and predicted alveolar concentrations were compared with experimental data. Because of its high fat solubility the solvent accumulated in adipose tissue with a predicted biological half-life of 71·5 hours. The relation between the alveolar concentrations and the level or duration of exposure was discussed. The alveolar concentrations of tetrachloroethylene during and after similar exposure were predicted in subjects who differed in age, body weight, height, and body fat content, both at rest and during physical effort. Predictions were made of the alveolar concentrations following exposures to steady and variable concentrations in ambient air, and following exposures of several weeks of the type occuring in industry. It was concluded that measurement of the postexposure alveolar concentrations could be used to estimate the mean exposure to tetrachloroethylene in most industrial situations.