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Published:
Journal of Analytical Toxicology,
ISSN 0146-4760,
Volume 27, Number 7, October 2003,
pp. 453-458
Occupational Cocaine Exposure of Crime Laboratory Personnel
Preparing Training Aids for a Military Working Dog Program
Jay M. Gehlhausen, Kevin L. Klette,
and Peter R. Stout
Navy Drug Screening Laboratory, Naval Air Station, Bldg. H2033, Jacksonville,
Florida 32212
JoAnn Given
Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Regional Forensic Laboratory, Norfolk,
Virginia 23505
The potential for passive cocaine exposure was evaluated in
crime laboratory employees preparing training aids for a military working dog
program (MWD). The primary goal of the study was to elucidate the routes of
exposure and implement procedural changes that would minimize this risk. Several
work environments and laboratory procedures were examined by monitoring personal
breathing zones (PBZ), ambient airborne cocaine levels in the laboratory spaces,
and urinary levels of the primary cocaine metabolite, benzoylecgonine. The
study was performed initially using current laboratory procedures to establish
a baseline and to identify potential sources of exposure. A subsequent study
was performed to determine the effectiveness of the follow-up procedure in
reducing exposure. As a result of the changes, the 8-h time weighted averages
(TWAs) were 40 to 80% lower in the follow-up study as compared to the baseline
assessment. Dermal absorption and PBZ inhalation of cocaine during manufacture
were likely the most significant source of cocaine exposure. Ambient airborne
cocaine may have also contributed to the total exposure, but for most observations,
the concentrations were significantly less than those determined from PBZ monitoring.
The maximum ambient cocaine concentration was 0.0144 mg/m3 compared to a maximum
of 0.4004 mg/m3 observed during PBZ monitoring. Occupational exposure decreased
in the follow-up study because of the proper use of personal protective equipment
and improvements in engineering controls. Reproduction
of editorial content of this journal is prohibited without publisher’s
permission.
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