Occupational screening for neurotoxicity: computerized techniques

Computer-administered testing systems for assessing the functional consequences of neurotoxicant exposure in the workplace have recently been developed. Mainly, they have been applied in laboratory studies of acute exposures, quasi-experimental field studies of acute and sub-acute exposures, and cross-sectional epidemiologic investigations of chronic exposures. Some automated tests appear quite sensitive and reliable in these situations where group comparisons are made. However, testing methods suitable for the purpose of clinical evaluation are not yet well developed. Programs of neurobehavioral surveillance in industry are necessary to provide reference data for clinical, screening and epidemiologic purposes and to provide essential baseline data for individuals at risk.