Effects on neurobehavioral performance of chronic exposure to chemically contaminated well water

Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and other solvents impairs neurobehavioral performance. Use of well water contaminated with TCE and solvents has been associated with excessive symptoms, cancers, birth defects and impaired blink reflex. We extended these observations by measuring the neurophysiological (NPH) and neuropsychological (NPS) status of subjects who used water contaminated with 6 to 500 ppb of TCE for 1 to 25 years. The 170 well-water exposed subjects who resided in southwest Tucson, Arizona overlying the Santa Cruz River aquifer, were compared to 68 referent subjects for NPH and NPS tests. Also, 113 histology technicians (HT) were referents for blink reflex latency only. Affective status was assayed by a Profile of Mood States (POMS). Exposed subjects were statistically significantly impaired when compared to referents for NPH tests. These impairments included sway speed with eyes open and closed, blink reflex latency (R-1), eye closure speed, and two choice visual reaction time. NPS status was statistically significant impaired for Culture Fair (intelligence) scores, recall of stories, visual recall, digit span, block design, recognition of fingertip numbers, grooved pegboard and Trail making A and B. POMS scores were elevated. Prolonged residential exposure to well-water containing TCE at lower levels than occupational exposures, but without time away from exposure for metabolism and excretion of toxins, was associated with neurobehavioral impairment.