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[Psychological and neurobehavioral effects of aluminum on exposed workers]
Objective:
To explore neurotoxicity and the changes in psychological and neurobehavioral functions in workers exposed to aluminum.
Methods:
Psychological status and neurobehavioral functions of 103 exposed workers and 64 controls were examined with Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), and meanwhile, air concentrations of aluminum in the workplaces and urine levels of aluminum in the exposed workers were determined.
Results:
Urine levels of aluminum in the exposed workers were markedly higher than those in non-exposed controls, with a statistical significance. Scores for tension, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion in the workers exposed to aluminum for more than ten years were significantly more than those in non-exposed controls. Scores of the performance of Santa Ana, digit symbol and pursuit aiming in the former were significantly lower, and no other changes in psychological and behavioral functions was found in workers exposed for less than ten years, except for their scores of pursuit aiming.
Conclusion:
Obvious changes in psychological status, neuromotor speed and their accuracy were observed in workers exposed to aluminum for a long term.