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Neurobehavioral performance in workers exposed to toluene.
Seong-Kyu Kang1, Diane S Rohlman, Mi-Young Lee
1Center for Occupational Diseases Research, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), 34-6 Gusan-dong Bupyong-gu, Incheon 403-711, Republic of Korea.
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Chronic exposure to toluene, even below 100ppm, impairs neurobehavioral performance. High toluene exposure negatively affects attention, concentration, and motor skills in industrial workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neurotoxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Toluene is a common industrial solvent found in adhesives, paints, and petroleum products.
- Chronic exposure to volatile organic compounds like toluene poses risks to worker health.
- Understanding the neurobehavioral impact of toluene at lower concentrations is crucial for workplace safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic toluene exposure (below 100ppm) on neurobehavioral functions.
- To assess neurobehavioral performance in workers across different toluene exposure levels.
- To identify specific cognitive and motor deficits associated with toluene exposure.
Main Methods:
- A computerized neurobehavioral test battery (Behavioral Assessment and Research System - BARS) was used.
- Tests included Digit Span, Simple Reaction Time, Selective Attention, Finger Tapping, and Symbol Digit.
- Urinary hippuric acid levels and air toluene concentrations were used to categorize exposure (Low, Moderate, High).
Main Results:
- Workers with high toluene exposure showed poorer performance in Finger Tapping (preferred hand) and Selective Attention latency.
- Age was significantly correlated with Symbol Digit performance and Selective Attention accuracy.
- No significant correlation was found between neurobehavioral deficits and years of education or work duration.
Conclusions:
- Toluene exposure, even below 100ppm, is linked to measurable neurobehavioral changes.
- Higher levels of toluene exposure can lead to deficits in attention, concentration, and motor performance.
- This study underscores the importance of monitoring and controlling toluene exposure in industrial settings to protect worker cognitive and motor functions.
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