[Mental evaluation after chronic exposure to tetrachloroethylene]

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Neurotoxicology
• Environmental health

Background:

• Perchloroethylene (Per) is a common solvent used in industries like dry cleaning and chemical laundries.
• Chronic occupational exposure to solvents can pose risks to cognitive and motor functions.
• Understanding the specific neurotoxic effects of Per is crucial for worker safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic occupational exposure to perchloroethylene (Per) on intellectual and psychomotor functions.
• To compare cognitive and psychomotor performance between workers exposed to Per and a non-exposed control group.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of workers were examined: chemical laundry workers exposed to Per (within and above Threshold Limit Values - TLVs) and knitting plant workers (control group, non-exposed).
• Selected intellectual and psychomotor functions were assessed in both groups.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences between the exposed and control groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in psychomotor function, specifically an extended response time to homogeneous and complex light stimuli in the Per-exposed group.
• A decrease in the ability to see and reflect visual material was noted in the Per-exposed group, indicating impaired intellectual function.
• Findings suggest a negative correlation between Per exposure and cognitive/psychomotor performance.

Conclusions:

• Chronic occupational exposure to perchloroethylene (Per) adversely affects both psychomotor and intellectual functions.
• The study highlights the neurotoxic potential of Per, even at concentrations within or above TLVs.
• Implementing stricter exposure controls and health monitoring for workers exposed to Per is recommended.