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Occupational toluene exposure and auditory function: results from a follow-up study
Michael Schäper1, Peter Demes, Michaela Zupanic
1Institute for Occupational Physiology, University of Dortmund, Ardeystrasse 67, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany. schaeper@ifado.de
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|August 2, 2003
Summary
Occupational exposure to toluene below 50 parts per million (p.p.m.) did not significantly impact hearing in rotogravure workers. Noise exposure, however, was strongly linked to auditory threshold changes, suggesting a higher toluene ototoxicity threshold.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Audiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Occupational exposure to toluene is a concern for hearing loss.
- Previous studies suggest toluene may be ototoxic, but evidence at lower concentrations is limited.
- Understanding the ototoxicity of toluene at levels below 50 p.p.m. is crucial for setting workplace safety standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ototoxicity of occupational toluene exposure below 50 p.p.m. in male rotogravure printing workers.
- To determine the relationship between toluene exposure, noise exposure, and auditory thresholds.
- To assess the potential threshold for toluene-induced hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year longitudinal study involving 333 male workers.
- Measurement of past lifetime weighted average exposures (LWAE) and recent exposures to toluene and noise.
- Pure tone audiometry to assess auditory thresholds.
- Statistical analyses including repeated measurement analyses and logistic regressions.
Main Results:
- No significant effects of toluene intensity or exposure duration on auditory thresholds were found.
- Noise intensity was significantly associated with auditory thresholds.
- No significant interaction between toluene and noise intensity on hearing was observed.
Conclusions:
- Occupational toluene exposure below 50 p.p.m. did not demonstrate significant ototoxicity in this study.
- The threshold for toluene-induced hearing loss may be higher than the current occupational exposure limit.
- Noise remains a significant factor contributing to hearing loss in this occupational setting.