Determination of aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites in human blood and urine

Methods for the biological monitoring of aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites in the human blood and urine are reviewed. For the determination of the unchanged aromatic hydrocarbon in blood, gas chromatographic head-space analysis is recommended. The metabolites can be monitored by photometric, thin-layer chromatographic, high-performance liquid chromatographic and gas chromatographic methods. For the assessment of health risks caused by aromatic hydrocarbons, reference values and occupational limit values, expressed as biological tolerance values and biological exposure indices, have to be considered.