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Visual contrast sensitivity in children exposed to tetrachloroethylene
Jan E Storm1, Kimberly A Mazor, Kenneth M Aldous
1Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Troy, New York 12180, USA. jes19@health.state.ny.us
Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health
|August 26, 2011
Summary
Children exposed to tetrachloroethylene (perc) in their homes showed decreased visual contrast sensitivity (VCS). Higher perc levels in air, breath, and blood were linked to reduced VCS in children, suggesting a potential central nervous system effect.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Tetrachloroethylene (perc) is a common solvent used in dry cleaning.
- Residential exposure to perc can occur in buildings with colocated dry cleaners.
- Potential health effects of perc, especially on children's neurodevelopment, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between indoor air, breath, and blood perc levels and visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) in children and adults.
- To determine if residential perc exposure is associated with decreased VCS in a vulnerable population.
- To identify potential subclinical central nervous system effects in children exposed to perc.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving residents of buildings with and without dry cleaners.
- Measurement of indoor air, breath, and blood perc levels.
- Assessment of visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) at a spatial frequency of 12 cycles per degree (cpd).
- Statistical analysis using adjusted logistic regression to evaluate associations.
Main Results:
- Children in buildings with dry cleaners showed decreased VCS at 12 cpd at elevated perc levels (air: 336 μg/m³, breath: 159.5 μg/m³, blood: 0.51 μg/L).
- Increased indoor air, breath, and blood perc levels were significantly associated with increased odds of decreased VCS in children.
- No significant decrease in VCS was observed in adult residents with increasing perc levels.
Conclusions:
- Elevated residential tetrachloroethylene (perc) exposure may negatively impact children's visual contrast sensitivity (VCS).
- These findings suggest a potential subclinical central nervous system effect in children exposed to perc.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term neurological implications of residential perc exposure in children.
