Erythrocyte protein conjugates as a principle of biological monitoring for pesticides.

The determination of erythrocyte protein conjugates is recommended for monitoring worker's exposure to reactive pesticides or group of pesticides. Under the assumption that reversible and especially irreversible toxic effects of these substances occur in parallel to the formation of erythrocyte adducts, the determination of the amount of adduct can be seen as a parameter for monitoring stress and strain by these substances. The application of this method is demonstrated in some practical examples with several groups of compounds. In the case of unknown dose-effect relationships, the absence of conjugate formation in the erythrocyte initially will be considered as a no-toxic effect level, which can be substituted later by a tolerable substance-adduct concentration in the erythrocyte as more field experience has been gained. In contrast to the determination of chemicals and/or metabolites in the different body fluids, the examination of internal stress of substances by the determination of erythrocyte adducts has facilitated individual risk assessment for exposure to these substances. The appropriateness of individual tolerance values for active substances will be discussed. Sufficient valid and non-invasive methods are available for the routine detection of substance conjugates in erythrocytes.