Table of Contents

Component Description

Both the lab data and questionnaire items will be released in this file.

Volatile Organic Compound Questions

The volatile organic compound section of the Mobile Examination Center (MEC) Interview and Phlebotomy Component (PH) provide personal interview data.

Volatile Organic Compounds (Whole Blood) - Trihalomethanes/MTBE/Nitromethane

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that have been used as solvents, degreasers, and cleaning agents in industry and consumer products. Many of the VOCs were found to contaminate ground water and drinking water sources, and because of human health concerns, have been banned or restricted from most uses.

The prevalence of disinfection by-products in drinking water supplies has raised concerns about possible adverse health effects from chronic exposure to these potentially carcinogenic compounds. Methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) was used as an additive to replace lead in gasoline, but its use was banned after widespread ground water contamination was discovered.

Inhalation is the most common VOC route of exposure in the general population, including: indoor sources, such as paints, adhesives, cleaning solutions, and aerosolized insecticide sprays; industries producing these solvents; and contaminated waste disposal sites. Drinking water may contribute to exposure when underground drinking water supplies are contaminated. After they are absorbed in the body, VOCs are rapidly eliminated in exhaled breath, or may be rapidly metabolized and eliminated in the urine.

Eligible Sample

Examined participants aged 12 years and older from a one-half sample were eligible.

Description of Laboratory Methodology

Interview Setting and Mode of Administration
The questions were asked during the physical examination, in the mobile examination center (MEC). The questions were administered by the phlebotomist or the MEC interviewers.

Laboratory Methodology
Trihalomethanes (THMs), nitromethane (NM: biomarker for halonitromethanes), and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) are measured in whole blood by solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography/isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SPME/GC/isotope dilution MS) based on the method described by Bonin, et al. The method is applicable to the determination of five VOCs in 3-mL samples of whole blood with detection limits in the low parts per trillion (pptr) range. Since non-occupationally exposed individuals have blood VOC concentrations in this range, the method is applicable for determining these quantities and investigating cases of low-level exposure to VOCs.

Refer to the Laboratory Method Files section for detailed laboratory procedure manual(s) of the methods used.

There were no changes to the lab method, lab equipment, or lab site for this component in the NHANES 2007-2008 cycle.

Laboratory Method Files

Laboratory Quality Assurance and Monitoring

Whole blood specimens were processed, stored, and shipped to Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA for analysis.

Detailed instructions on specimen collection and processing are discussed in the NHANES Laboratory Procedures Manual (LPM). Vials are stored under appropriate refrigerated (2-8°C) conditions until they are shipped to National Center for Environmental Health, for testing.

The NHANES quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols meet the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act mandates. Detailed QA/QC instructions are discussed in the NHANES LPM.

Mobile Examination Centers (MECs)

Laboratory team performance is monitored using several techniques. NCHS and contract consultants use a structured quality assurance evaluation during unscheduled visits to evaluate both the quality of the laboratory work and the quality-control procedures. Each laboratory staff member is observed for equipment operation, specimen collection and preparation; testing procedures and constructive feedback are given to each staff member. Formal retraining sessions are conducted annually to ensure that required skill levels were maintained.

Analytical Laboratories

NHANES uses several methods to monitor the quality of the analyses performed by the contract laboratories. In the MEC, these methods include performing blind split samples collected on “dry run” sessions. In addition, contract laboratories randomly perform repeat testing on 2% of all specimens.

NCHS developed and distributed a quality control protocol for all the contract laboratories which outlined the use of Westgard rules (Westgard et al., 1981) when running NHANES specimens. Progress reports containing any problems encountered during shipping or receipt of specimens, summary statistics for each control pool, QC graphs, instrument calibration, reagents, and any special considerations are submitted to NCHS quarterly. The reports are reviewed for trends or shifts in the data. The laboratories are required to explain any identified areas of concern.

All QC procedures recommended by the manufacturers were followed. Reported results for all assays meet the CDC/NCEH Tobacco and Volatile Branch quality control and quality assurance performance criteria for accuracy and precision, similar to the Westgard rules (Caudill et al., 2008).

Data Processing and Editing

The data were reviewed. Incomplete data or improbable values were sent to the performing laboratory for confirmation.

Analytic Notes

Refer to the 2007-2008 Laboratory Data Overview for general information on NHANES laboratory data.

Subsample Weights
Whole blood VOCs were measured in a one-half subsample of persons 12 years and older. Special sample weights are required to analyze these data properly. Specific sample weights for this subsample are included in this data file and should be used when analyzing these data.

Some records have a 0 weight because additional VOC results were obtained after the construction of the sample weights for this component. For assistance in modifying the weights for analysis, please contact DHANES.

Demographic and Other Related Variables

The analysis of NHANES laboratory data must be conducted using the appropriate survey design and demographic variables. The NHANES 2007-2008 Demographics File contains demographic data, health indicators, and other related information collected during household interviews as well as the sample design variables. The recommended procedure for variance estimation requires use of stratum and PSU variables (SDMVSTRA and SDMVPSU, respectively) in the demographic data file.

The Fasting Questionnaire File includes auxiliary information such as fasting status, the time of venipuncture, and the conditions precluding venipuncture.

This laboratory data file can be linked to the other NHANES data files using the unique survey participant identifier (i.e., SEQN).

Detection limits

The detection limits were constant in the data set. Two variables are provided for each of these analytes. The variable name ending in “LC” (ex., LBDVBFLC) indicates whether the result was below the limit of detection: “0” means that the result was at or above the limit of detection, “1” indicates that the result was below the limit of detection. For analytes with analytic results below the lower limit of detection (ex., LBDVBFLC=1), an imputed fill value was placed in the analyte results field. This value is the lower limit of detection divided by square root of 2 (LLOD/sqrt [2]). The other variable prefixed LBX (ex., LBXVBF) provides the analytic result for that analyte.

The lower limit of detection (LLOD, in pg/mL) for whole blood - Trihalomethanes/MTBE/Nitromethane VOCs
VARIABLE NAME SAS LABEL LLOD
LBXVBF Blood Bromoform (pg/mL) 1.0000
LBXVBM Blood Bromodichloromethane (pg/mL) 0.6200
LBXVCF Blood Chloroform (pg/mL) 2.1000
LBXVCM Blood Dibromochloromethane (pg/mL) 0.6200
LBXVME Blood MTBE (pg/mL) 1.4000
LBXNM Blood Nitromethane (pg/mL) 65.0000

 

References

Codebook and Frequencies

SEQN - Respondent sequence number

Variable Name:
SEQN
SAS Label:
Respondent sequence number
English Text:
Respondent sequence number.
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS

WTSVOC2Y - VOC Subsample Weight

Variable Name:
WTSVOC2Y
SAS Label:
VOC Subsample Weight
English Text:
VOC Subsample Weight
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
7544.8236215 to 319733.44187 Range of Values 3374 3374
. Missing 41 3415

LBXVBF - Blood Bromoform (pg/mL)

Variable Name:
LBXVBF
SAS Label:
Blood Bromoform (pg/mL)
English Text:
Blood Bromoform (pg/mL)
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0.7071 to 450 Range of Values 2994 2994
. Missing 421 3415

LBDVBFLC - Blood Bromoform Comment Code

Variable Name:
LBDVBFLC
SAS Label:
Blood Bromoform Comment Code
English Text:
Blood Bromoform Comment Code
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 detectable result 746 746
1 below detectable limit 2248 2994
2 detectable result and exceeds the calibrated range of assay 0 2994
. Missing 421 3415

LBXVBM - Blood Bromodichloromethane (pg/mL)

Variable Name:
LBXVBM
SAS Label:
Blood Bromodichloromethane (pg/mL)
English Text:
Blood Bromodichloromethane (pg/mL)
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0.4384 to 71 Range of Values 2982 2982
. Missing 433 3415

LBDVBMLC - Blood Bromodichloromethane Comment Code

Variable Name:
LBDVBMLC
SAS Label:
Blood Bromodichloromethane Comment Code
English Text:
Blood Bromodichloromethane Comment Code
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 detectable result 2259 2259
1 below detectable limit 723 2982
2 detectable result and exceeds the calibrated range of assay 0 2982
. Missing 433 3415

LBXVCF - Blood Chloroform (pg/mL)

Variable Name:
LBXVCF
SAS Label:
Blood Chloroform (pg/mL)
English Text:
Blood Chloroform (pg/mL)
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1.4849 to 13000 Range of Values 2754 2754
. Missing 661 3415

LBDVCFLC - Blood Chloroform Comment Code

Variable Name:
LBDVCFLC
SAS Label:
Blood Chloroform Comment Code
English Text:
Blood Chloroform Comment Code
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 detectable result 2271 2271
1 below detectable limit 483 2754
2 detectable result and exceeds the calibrated range of assay 0 2754
. Missing 661 3415

LBXVCM - Blood Dibromochloromethane (pg/mL)

Variable Name:
LBXVCM
SAS Label:
Blood Dibromochloromethane (pg/mL)
English Text:
Blood Dibromochloromethane (pg/mL)
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0.4384 to 82.2 Range of Values 2998 2998
. Missing 417 3415

LBDVCMLC - Blood Dibromochloromethane Comment Code

Variable Name:
LBDVCMLC
SAS Label:
Blood Dibromochloromethane Comment Code
English Text:
Blood Dibromochloromethane Comment Code
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 detectable result 1780 1780
1 below detectable limit 1218 2998
2 detectable result and exceeds the calibrated range of assay 0 2998
. Missing 417 3415

LBXVME - Blood MTBE (pg/mL)

Variable Name:
LBXVME
SAS Label:
Blood MTBE (pg/mL)
English Text:
Blood MTBE (pg/mL)
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0.9899 to 600 Range of Values 2964 2964
. Missing 451 3415

LBDVMELC - Blood MTBE Comment Code

Variable Name:
LBDVMELC
SAS Label:
Blood MTBE Comment Code
English Text:
Blood MTBE Comment Code
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 detectable result 825 825
1 below detectable limit 2139 2964
2 detectable result and exceeds the calibrated range of assay 0 2964
. Missing 451 3415

LBXNM - Blood Nitromethane (pg/mL)

Variable Name:
LBXNM
SAS Label:
Blood Nitromethane (pg/mL)
English Text:
Blood Nitromethane (pg/mL)
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
220 to 2890 Range of Values 2766 2766
. Missing 649 3415

VTQ210 - Attached garage?

Variable Name:
VTQ210
SAS Label:
Attached garage?
English Text:
Does your home have an attached garage?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1099 1099
2 No 2020 3119
7 Refused 0 3119
9 Don't know 0 3119
. Missing 296 3415

VTQ220 - Private well?

Variable Name:
VTQ220
SAS Label:
Private well?
English Text:
Is the source of water for your home from a private well?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 363 363
2 No 2740 3103
7 Refused 0 3103
9 Don't know 16 3119
. Missing 296 3415

VTQ200A - Store paints or fuels inside home?

Variable Name:
VTQ200A
SAS Label:
Store paints or fuels inside home?
English Text:
{Do you/Does she/Does he} store paints or fuels inside {your/her/his} home? Include {your/her/his} basement {and attached garage}.
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1066 1066
2 No 2039 3105
7 Refused 0 3105
9 Don't know 13 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ230A - Toilet bowl deodorizers?

Variable Name:
VTQ230A
SAS Label:
Toilet bowl deodorizers?
English Text:
Do you use toilet bowl deodorizers inside your home?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1380 1380
2 No 1714 3094
7 Refused 0 3094
9 Don't know 24 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ230B - Moth balls or crystals?

Variable Name:
VTQ230B
SAS Label:
Moth balls or crystals?
English Text:
Do you use moth balls or crystals inside your home?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 281 281
2 No 2817 3098
7 Refused 0 3098
9 Don't know 20 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ240A - Pump gas into a car or motor vehicle?

Variable Name:
VTQ240A
SAS Label:
Pump gas into a car or motor vehicle?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you pump gas into your car or other motor vehicle yourself?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1193 1193
2 No 1925 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ240B - How long ago did you pump gas?

Variable Name:
VTQ240B
SAS Label:
How long ago did you pump gas?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 72 Range of Values 1193 1193
777 Refused 0 1193
999 Don't know 0 1193
. Missing 2222 3415

VTQ250A - Spend time at swimming pool?

Variable Name:
VTQ250A
SAS Label:
Spend time at swimming pool?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you spend any time at a swimming pool, in a hot tub, or in a steam room?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 108 108
2 No 3010 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ250B - How long ago at swimming pool?

Variable Name:
VTQ250B
SAS Label:
How long ago at swimming pool?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} spent time in a swimming pool, in a hot tub, or in a steam room?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 72 Range of Values 107 107
777 Refused 0 107
999 Don't know 1 108
. Missing 3307 3415

VTQ260A - Visit a dry cleaning shop?

Variable Name:
VTQ260A
SAS Label:
Visit a dry cleaning shop?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you visit a dry cleaning shop or wear clothes that had been dry-cleaned within the last week?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 182 182
2 No 2936 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ260B - Spend 10 minutes near cigarette smoke?

Variable Name:
VTQ260B
SAS Label:
Spend 10 minutes near cigarette smoke?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you spend 10 or more minutes near a person who was smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1157 1157
2 No 1960 3117
7 Refused 0 3117
9 Don't know 1 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ270A - Take a hot shower?

Variable Name:
VTQ270A
SAS Label:
Take a hot shower?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you take a hot shower or bath for five minutes or longer?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 2662 2662
2 No 455 3117
7 Refused 0 3117
9 Don't know 1 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ270B - How long since hot shower?

Variable Name:
VTQ270B
SAS Label:
How long since hot shower?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 72 Range of Values 2661 2661
777 Refused 0 2661
999 Don't know 1 2662
. Missing 753 3415

VTQ280A - Breathe fumes from paints?

Variable Name:
VTQ280A
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from paints?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from paints?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 205 205
2 No 2913 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ280B - Breathe fumes from degreasing cleaners?

Variable Name:
VTQ280B
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from degreasing cleaners?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from degreasing cleaners?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 230 230
2 No 2886 3116
7 Refused 0 3116
9 Don't know 2 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ280C - Breathe fumes from diesel fuel?

Variable Name:
VTQ280C
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from diesel fuel?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 258 258
2 No 2860 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ280D - Breathe fumes from paint thinner?

Variable Name:
VTQ280D
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from paint thinner?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from paint thinner, brush cleaner, or furniture stripper?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 103 103
2 No 3015 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ280E - Breathe fumes from drycleaning fluid?

Variable Name:
VTQ280E
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from drycleaning fluid?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from drycleaning fluid or spot remover?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 99 99
2 No 3018 3117
7 Refused 0 3117
9 Don't know 1 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ280F - Breathe fumes from fingernail polish?

Variable Name:
VTQ280F
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from fingernail polish?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from fingernail polish or fingernail polish remover?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 475 475
2 No 2643 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ280G - Breathe fumes from glue?

Variable Name:
VTQ280G
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from glue?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from glues or adhesives used for hobbies or crafts?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 142 142
2 No 2976 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415

VTQ280H - Breathe fumes from varnish?

Variable Name:
VTQ280H
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from varnish?
English Text:
In the last three days, did you breath fumes from varnish or stain?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 58 58
2 No 3060 3118
7 Refused 0 3118
9 Don't know 0 3118
. Missing 297 3415