Formation of 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane-specific hemoglobin adducts in 1,3-butadiene exposed workers.

Summary: 1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a common chemical used in making rubber and plastics, but it is also a known carcinogen. Scientists have long suspected that when the body breaks down BD, it creates a dangerous toxin called DEB, which damages DNA. In a new study, researchers tested blood samples from factory workers and office staff to measure levels of a specific biomarker that proves DEB formation.

They found this biomarker in 84% of the people tested—even in office workers with no direct contact with the chemical, suggesting it is present in the general environment. However, the levels in humans were significantly lower than those seen in lab rats exposed to similar amounts. This suggests that the human body is much less efficient at creating this specific toxin than rodents are, which might mean the cancer risk for humans via this specific pathway is lower than previously predicted by animal studies.