Detect Airborne Hazards Using ChemSee Dosimeters

The correlation between exposure to aromatic amines and human cancer was first discovered in 1895. The major types of cancer caused by aromatic amines are cancer of the urinary tracts and of the prostrate gland, but also can cause certain mutations. The effects of certain amines were so dear that bans on the use of benzidine and of naphthyl amines were among the first to be imposed on the chemical industry. Over the years, knowledge of the specific modes of carcinogenicity have increased dramatically while testing and monitoring procedures have lagged behind. For this reason, we have developed the ChemSense Aromatic Amine Dosimeter. The carcinogenic effects of aromatic amines are species-specific. This is due to the fact that aromatic amines must be bioactivated to reach their carcinogenic form. Specifically, N-hydroxylation is the primary step in the conversion of aromatic amines to carcinogens. Due to this method of activation, aromatic amines do not induce tumors at the site of administration but usually at some biologically active site such as the liver, bladder or intestines. Potent carcinogenicity is associated with aromatic groups consisting of two or more conjugated or fused aromatic rings. Single aromatic or non-conjugated ring systems may be carcinogenic in some cases but only in higher doses. Moreover, substituents on the aromatic rings make carcinogenicity less predictable and enforce the need to avoid exposure. Aromatic amines are potent carcinogens upon bioactivation. Due to the versatility of these compounds and their widespread use, good chemical hygiene dictates the use of an accurate, low-cost dosimeter for monitoring ambient aromatic amine concentrations in areas where there are moderate or extensive uses of this class of compounds.