Effect of Environmental Temperature and Humidity on Permethrin Biomarkers of Exposure in U.S. Soldiers Wearing Permethrin-Treated Uniforms

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Jun;102(6):1455-1462. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0543.

Abstract

Environmental factors, including high temperature and humidity, can influence dermal absorption of chemicals. Soldiers can be dermally exposed to permethrin while wearing permethrin-treated uniforms. This study aimed at examining the effects of high temperature and a combined high temperature and humid environment on permethrin absorption compared with ambient conditions when wearing a permethrin-treated uniform. Twenty-seven male enlisted soldiers wore study-issued permethrin-treated army uniforms for 33 consecutive hours in three different environments: 1) simulated high temperature (35°C, 40% relative humidity [rh]) (n = 10), 2) simulated high temperature and humidity (30°C, 70% rh) (n = 10), and 3) ambient conditions (13°C, 60% rh) (n = 7). Spot urine samples, collected at 21 scheduled time points before, during, and after wearing the study uniforms, were analyzed for permethrin exposure biomarkers (3-phenoxybenzoic acid, cis- and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) and creatinine. Biomarker concentrations were 60-90% higher in the heat and combined heat/humidity groups (P < 0.001-0.022) than the ambient group. Also, the average daily permethrin dose, calculated 12 hours after removing the treated uniforms, was significantly higher in the heat (P = 0.01) and the heat/humidity (P = 0.03) groups than the ambient group. There were no significant differences in biomarker concentrations or computed average daily dose between the heat and the heat/humidity groups. Both hot and combined hot and humid environmental conditions significantly increased permethrin absorption in soldiers wearing permethrin-treated uniforms.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Humans
  • Humidity*
  • Insecticides / chemistry
  • Insecticides / pharmacokinetics
  • Insecticides / urine*
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Permethrin / chemistry
  • Permethrin / pharmacokinetics
  • Permethrin / urine*
  • Protective Clothing*
  • Temperature*
  • Time Factors
  • Vereinigte Staaten
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Insecticides
  • Permethrin