Vibratory perception thresholds in shipyard workers exposed to solvents.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Neurotoxicology
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Shipyard workers are exposed to various industrial solvents.
• Chronic exposure to solvents may lead to neurotoxic effects.
• Peripheral polyneuropathy is a potential occupational health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vibratory perception thresholds in shipyard workers exposed to industrial solvents.
• To investigate the correlation between exposure duration and sensory deficits.
• To evaluate the utility of vibratory perception threshold testing as a screening tool for peripheral polyneuropathy.

Main Methods:

• Vibratory perception thresholds were measured in 90 shipyard workers.
• Exposure duration to industrial solvents was recorded.
• Subjects with abnormal thresholds underwent further neurophysiological examinations (nerve conduction velocities, electromyography, heart rate variability).

Main Results:

• Significantly increased vibratory perception thresholds in lower limbs were observed in male workers.
• No significant abnormalities were found in female workers.
• Laboratory investigations revealed abnormalities in most subjects with lower limb threshold increases, but not in those with upper limb threshold increases only.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative vibratory perception threshold measurement is a valuable and accessible screening method for detecting peripheral polyneuropathy in solvent-exposed workers.
• Abnormalities in lower limb vibratory perception thresholds suggest potential peripheral polyneuropathy.
• Further neurophysiological studies are recommended for individuals with abnormal lower limb thresholds.