Artificial Grass PAHs in Urine 1-OHP

Hydroxypyrene in urine (30 ml) including creatinine

Metabolites (breakdown products of substances) are excreted from the body through the urine. By measuring the substance hydroxy-pyrene in urine, you gain insight into the degree of exposure to PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).

This test is often used to identify exposure to pollutants through food, environment or sports environments such as artificial turf fields.

PAHs and artificial turf

Artificial turf fields use infill material, such as rubber granules (rubber pellets). This material ensures that the field has similar properties to natural grass, so the ball rolls well, bounces well and the field is suitable for slidings.

RIVM research shows that rubber crumb may contain several substances, including:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• Metal
• Plasticizers (phthalates)
• Bisphenol A (BPA)

PAHs are of most concern in this regard, as many are carcinogens.

What are PAHs?

PAHs are formed when organic material burns at high temperatures. This happens with:

• Burnt food (e.g. meat or bread)
• Barbecuing and grilling
• Smoking foods
• Industrial processes
• Fires in nature and industry
• Volcanic activity

The best known and most studied PAH is benzo(a)pyrene. This substance is often used as an indicator of exposure to PAHs.

PAHs can enter the body through air, soil, water and food.

Legislation and safety

Because many PAHs are carcinogenic, the European Union has not established a tolerable daily intake (TDI). However, maximum standards have been set for benzo(a)pyrene in foods.

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) enforces these standards.

Reducing exposure: practical tips

You can do a lot yourself to reduce exposure to PAHs:

In cooking and baking

• Prevent black edges and crusts on food
• Cut away burnt parts
• Grill and barbecue at moderate temperature
• Don't let grease drip into open fire

In frying

• Deep fry at maximum 175°C
• Bake to golden yellow, not dark brown
• Regularly sift burnt particles out of oil
• Replace oil if it becomes dark, viscous, frothy or strong smelling

Why this test?

The measurement of hydroxy-pyrene in urine gives an indication of your total exposure to PAHs. This may be relevant in:

• Regular use of artificial turf fields
• Occupational exposure
• Barbecuing or grilling a lot
• Living in polluted environments
• Health complaints without clear cause

Combining this test with creatinine correction makes the result more reliable because the concentration of urine is taken into account.

1-OHP is the standard marker for PAH exposure worldwide because:

• It measures well
• It responds quickly to exposure
• It reliably shows what your body has recently ingested

So doctors and laboratories use 1-OHP as a "thermometer" for PAHs in your body.

What does an elevated 1-OHP value tell you?

An elevated value may indicate:

• Lots of barbecuing/grilling
• Smoking (active or passive)
• Work in polluted environment
• Lots of contact with artificial grass
• Air pollution
• Industrial exposure

It does not automatically mean you are sick, but it does mean your exposure is higher than desirable.