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Perchloroethylene exposure can induce colour vision loss
A Cavalleri1, F Gobba, M Paltrinieri
1Sezione di Medicina Preventiva dei Lavoratori, Universitá di Pavia, Fondazione Clinica del Lavoro, Italy.
Neuroscience Letters
|September 26, 1994
Summary
Dry-cleaners exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE) showed subclinical color vision loss, particularly in the blue-yellow spectrum. This impairment occurred at low environmental PCE levels, suggesting a dose-related risk even below occupational limits.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a common solvent used in dry-cleaning.
- Occupational exposure to solvents can pose health risks.
- Color vision impairment is a potential indicator of neurotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate color vision in dry-cleaners exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE).
- To determine if PCE exposure, even at low levels, affects color vision.
- To assess the relationship between PCE exposure levels and the severity of color vision impairment.
Main Methods:
- A study group of 35 dry-cleaners exposed to PCE was compared with 35 matched controls.
- Color vision was assessed in both groups.
- Exposure levels were considered in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Dry-cleaners exhibited subclinical color vision loss, predominantly in the blue-yellow range.
- The observed color vision impairment was correlated with PCE exposure levels.
- Effects were noted at environmental concentrations below current occupational exposure limits.
Conclusions:
- Perchloroethylene exposure, even at low environmental concentrations, can lead to a dose-related impairment of color vision.
- Color vision testing may serve as a sensitive biomarker for early detection of PCE-induced neurotoxicity.
- Current occupational exposure limits for PCE may not be sufficiently protective against subtle visual deficits.