Impaired odor perception in tank cleaners

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Sensory science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Occupational exposure to petroleum products is common in industries like oil tank cleaning.
• Petroleum products contain volatile organic compounds that can affect sensory perception.
• Previous research has indicated potential neurological effects of solvent exposure, but olfactory impacts require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the olfactory perception in male tank cleaners occupationally exposed to petroleum products.
• To compare olfactory thresholds and intensity perception between tank cleaners and a matched control group.
• To identify potential olfactory deficits associated with occupational exposure to oil vapors.

Main Methods:

• Olfactory perception was assessed in 20 male tank cleaners and 20 matched referents (office workers and watchmen).
• Participants were matched for sex, age, and smoking habits.
• Odor detection thresholds and perceived odor intensity were measured for pyridine, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), n-butanol, and heating oil vapor.

Main Results:

• Tank cleaners exhibited higher absolute odor thresholds for n-butanol and heating oil vapor compared to referents.
• Significant differences in psychophysical functions for odor intensity perception were observed across all tested substances.
• Tank cleaners demonstrated an impaired perception of weak stimuli but normal perception of strong stimuli, termed 'odor intensity recruitment'.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposure to oil vapor in tank cleaners is associated with an olfactory deficit termed 'odor intensity recruitment'.
• This deficit involves impaired perception of weak odors, analogous to 'loudness recruitment' in hearing.
• Findings suggest a need for monitoring and protective measures for workers exposed to petroleum products to prevent sensory impairment.