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Diseases of the nervous system - 1,004 entries found

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  • Diseases of the nervous system

1995

CIS 96-1788 Lucchini R., Toffoletto F., Camerino D., Fazioli R., Ghittori S., Giglioli R., Signorini A., Alessio L.
Neurobehavioral functions in operating theatre personnel exposed to anesthetic gases
In this cross-sectional survey, 62 nursing personnel occupationally exposed to anaesthetic gases were monitored and compared with 46 unexposed hospital workers. To assess their working capacity performance, a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) test was administered before and after the work shifts. On the last day of the working week a wide range of atmospheric nitrous oxide (geometric mean 62.6ppm) and of atmospheric ethrane (geometric mean 1.3ppm) was found. The urinary N2O ranged from 4 to 297µg/L (geometric mean 26.8). At the same time an impairment of performance on the SRT test was observed in comparison to controls. The findings suggest that reversible impairments of vigilance and response speed can occur in operating theatre personnel at levels of exposure to anaesthetic gases below the TLVs adopted in Italy until recently (100ppm for N2O and 2ppm for ethrane).
Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 1995, Vol.86, No.1, p.27-33. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 96-1904 Cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace - Bibliography
This publication provides a series of reprinted materials reporting on research conducted by NIOSH on cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) in the workplace. CTD is generally used as a term describing disorders of the upper limbs, among which the best known is carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Other reviews cover: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed rules on ergonomic safety; a manual for musculoskeletal diseases of the upper limbs; physical exercises for VDT operators; management and prevention of CTDs. An extensive annotated bibliography of NIOSH and selected non-NIOSH publications on the same themes is also included.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Education and Information Division, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Sep. 1995. vi, 209p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 96-1399 Onishi A., Mori K., Koriyama K., Miyata M., Murai Y., Ikeda M.
Application of neurobehavioural tests in an automotive parts factory
Mansei yūkiyozai bakuro-sha e no shikei kōdōgakuteki kensa hō no ōyō [in Japanese]
Three neurobehavioural tests and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire (parts of the WHO neurobehavioural core test battery) were administered to 106 workers engaged in the manufacture of automotive parts; 61 were chronically exposed to organic solvents, 45 were not. The exposed workers had lower scores than their unexposed peers in perceptual-motor performance tests, but not in a memory test. There was a positive correlation between the "fatigue" score on the POMS test and perceptual-motor performance. No correlation was found between urinary hippuric acid levels and test scores.
Journal of UOEH, 28 June 1995, Vol.17, No.3, p.165-172. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 96-1511 Pichené A.
Quantification of biomechanical risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome
Quantification des facteurs de risque biomécaniques du syndrome du canal carpien [in French]
Thesis. The biomechanical strain imposed on the wrists of operators in an automobile seat factory was determined by electromyographic, goniometric and video recordings. Fifteen workstations and/or tasks were analyzed. Indices of posture, force and repetitivity were calculated and used as factors in an equation expressing quantitatively the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This quantitative indicator of risk was compared with other indices used in the literature.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Mar. 1995. ii, 201p. Illus. 62 ref.

CIS 96-1373 Magos L.
Mercury vapour kinetics and toxicology
Experiments were carried out to determine why inorganic mercury salts are renotoxic and mercury vapour is neurotoxic. Investigations involved use of radiolabelled mercuric salt for the labelling of mercury vapour, separation of elemental and mercuric mercury in blood, intravenous injection of elemental mercury and mercuric mercury into rats, and estimation of mercury vapour in exhaled air. Results indicate that elemental mercury is taken up by the blood by diffusion and owing to a delay between uptake and oxidation, part of the inhaled mercury vapour is able to reach and cross the blood-brain barrier.
Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.1, No.4, p.319-326. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 96-847 Healy C.E., Beyrouty P.C., Broxup B.R.
Acute and subchronic neurotoxicity studies with tri-N-butyl phosphate in adult Sprague-Dawley rats
This study showed that tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), a liquid phosphate ester used as a component in the production of airline hydraulic fluids, has no appreciable neurotoxic effect on rats.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Apr. 1995, Vol.56, No.4, p.349-355. Illus. 17 ref. ###

CIS 96-644 French Society of Occupational Medicine and Health - Special meeting on epilepsy of 12 December 1994
Société de médecine et d'hygiène du travail - Séance spéciale, consacrée à l'épilepsie, du 12 décembre 1994 [in French]
Papers presented at the special meeting of the French Society of Occupational Medicine and Health on epilepsy and work, held on 12 Dec. 1994: the French Foundation for Research on Epilepsy; different types of epilepsy: clinical features, treatment and monitoring; French regulations on epilepsy and work; fitness for work and convulsive disorders; psychosomatic aspects of epilepsy; patients with recurrent seizures and work.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 1995, Vol.56, No.8, p.647-670. Illus.

CIS 96-1123 Liss G.M., Jesin E., Kusiak R.A., White P.
Musculoskeletal problems among Ontario dental hygienists
A survey of dental hygienists and dental assistants (who did not scale teeth) revealed that the dental hygienists were more likely to have had physician-diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and were more likely to report hand/wrist, shoulder and neck problems. Predictors of CTS included the number of heavy calculus patients per day, the position around the dental chair, and years in practice. Predictors of shoulder trouble included days worked per week, time with trunk rotated, and years of practice. Preventive measures should focus on work station design, posture, treating patients with heavy calculus and scheduling rest periods.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 1995, Vol.28, No.4, p.521-540. Illus. 22 ref.

CIS 96-795 Rodezno R.A., Lundberg I., Escalona E.
Development of a questionnaire in Spanish on neurotoxic symptoms
A questionnaire in Spanish was developed to study the effects of neurotoxic agents in groups of workers in Nicaragua. The initial 34 questions were reduced to 16 after studying whether the questions were interpreted in the intended way, whether the answers were reasonably reproduced over a three-week period, and whether the questions discriminated between groups exposed to different neurotoxic agents (mercury, lead, organic solvents and organophosphate insecticides) and unexposed groups. In total, 851 workers participated in the evaluation. Further evaluation of the questionnaire is welcomed.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 1995, Vol.28, No.4, p.505-520. 29 ref.

CIS 96-872 Murata K., Araki S., Yokoyama K., Nomiyama K., Nomiyama H., Tao Y.X., Liu S.J.
Autonomic and central nervous system effects of lead in female glass workers in China
Autonomic and central nervous system functions were measured in 36 female lead-exposed workers and in a nonexposed control group. Measurements included electrocardiographic R-R interval variability (CVRR) and visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (VEP and BAEP). All parameters of autonomic nervous system function except heart rate were significantly depressed in the exposed workers compared with the nonexposed group. The exposed group also had more complaints of subjective symptoms. No significant differences in either VEP or BAEP latencies were found between the two groups. It is suggested that autonomic nervous function is more susceptible to lead than are visual and auditory nervous functions; lead affects sympathetic activity more strongly than parasympathetic activity.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1995, Vol.28, No.2, p.233-244. Illus. 47 ref.

CIS 96-871 White R.F., Proctor S.P., Echeverria D., Schweikert J., Feldman R.G.
Neurobehavioral effects of acute and chronic mixed-solvent exposure in the screen printing industry
Neuropsychological assessments were carried out on 30 workers in a screen printing business. Air sampling indicated the presence of toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, mineral spirits, β-ether, methylene chloride and acetic acid. Exposure levels varied throughout the plant but were all were below recommended threshold limit values. Workers with higher acute exposure demonstrated impaired test performance on tasks involving manual dexterity, visual memory and mood. Those with chronic exposure demonstrated poorer performance on visual memory tasks and mood. Results suggest that the mixed solvents used in the screen printing industry have an effect on central nervous system functioning in the absence of obvious clinical disease.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1995, Vol.28, No.2, p.221-231. 32 ref.

CIS 96-634 Mounstephen A.H., Harrison R.K.
A study of migraine and its effects in a working population
A questionnaire survey of 476 employees in a chemical industry research and commercial centre revealed that migraine prevalence during the previous year was 23.2% in women and 11.6% in men. Migraine sufferers reported significantly more headache-related sickness absence than non-migraine sufferers, but did not have more recorded sickness absence overall. There was no firm evidence that the working environment had any effect on the prevalence or frequency of migraine. It is recommended that occupational health departments could assist migraine sufferers with help and advice.
Occupational Medicine, Dec. 1995, Vol.45, No.6, p.311-317. 31 ref.

CIS 96-1141 Maizlish N., Rudolph L., Dervin K., Sankaranarayan M.
Surveillance and prevention of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome: An application of the Sentinel Events Notification System for Occupational Risks
The Sentinel Events Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR) method was adapted for surveillance of work-related carpal-tunnel syndrome in Santa Clara County, California, USA. Between 1989 and 1991, 54 health care providers in 14 medical facilities reported 382 cases from 195 work sites; 365 cases met reporting guidelines for work-related cases. Studies at six of the 24 work sites selected for investigation revealed a range of risk factors. This surveillance system linked to work site follow-up captured a number of cases of carpal-tunnel syndrome not reported in the pre-existing reporting system and revealed a clustering of occupational risk factors.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 1995, Vol.27, No.5, p.715-729. Illus. 20 ref.

CIS 96-879 Broadwell D.K., Darcey D.J., Hudnell H.K., Otto D.A., Boyes W.K.
Work-site clinical and neurobehavioral assessment of solvent-exposed microelectronics workers
Clinical and neurobehavioural assessments were carried out among 25 microelectronics workers and a matched control group. Retrospective exposure assessments in the study group suggested chronic low-level exposure to solvents, with intermittent acute exposures. Results of neurobehavioural tests indicated that the exposed group had measurable deficits in sensory, motor and cognitive function. They also reported more medical symptoms and altered mood states. Three workers had findings consistent with a solvent-induced encephalopathy. Results support an association between chronic low-dose solvent exposure and measurable neurobehavioural changes.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 1995, Vol.27, No.5, p.677-698. Illus. 83 ref.

CIS 96-1109 Tanaka S., Wild D.K., Seligman P.J., Halperin W.E., Behrens V.J., Putz-Anderson V.
Prevalence and work-relatedness of self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome among US workers - Analysis of the Occupational Health Supplement data of 1988 National Health Interview Survey
In a survey of 127 million US workers, 1.87 million (1.47%) self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and 675,000 (0.53%) stated that their prolonged hand discomfort was called CTS by a medical person. Occupations with highest prevalence of self-reported CTS were mail services, health care, construction, assembly and fabrication. Industries with highest prevalence were food products, repair services, transportation and construction. The risk factor most strongly associated with medically called CTS was exposure to repetitive bending and twisting of the hands and wrists at work. Results are consistent with previous findings.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1995, Vol.27, No.4, p.451-470. 51 ref.

CIS 96-188 Rosenberg N.L.
Occupational and environmental neurology
Contents of this manual: overview of occupational neurology; recognition and evaluation of work-related neurologic disorders; determination of causality and the impairment rating process; neurotoxicity of organic solvents; neurobehavioural disorders in workers; paroxysmal disorders and occupational neurology; movement disorders; chemically induced toxic neuropathy; cumulative trauma disorders; brain and spinal cord injuries in the workplace; work-related low back pain; neurologic disorders in performing artists; occupational and environmental exposures and the risk of developing "naturally occurring" neurologic disorders.
Butterworth-Heinemann, 313 Washington Street, Newton, Boston, MA 02158, USA, 1995. xiii, 374p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: GBP 55.00.

CIS 95-2249 Savitz D.A., Loomis D.P.
Magnetic field exposure in relation to leukemia and brain cancer mortality among electric utility workers
The authors conducted an historical cohort mortality study of 138,905 men employed at 5 large electric power companies in the US between 1950 and 1986. Exposure was estimated by linking individual work histories to data from 2,842 workshift magnetic field measurements. Mortality follow-up identified 20,733 deaths based on 2,656,436 person-years of experience. Total mortality and cancer mortality rose slightly with increasing magnetic field exposure. Leukaemia mortality, however, was not associated with indices of magnetic field exposure except for electricians. Brain cancer mortality was modestly elevated in relation to duration of work in exposed jobs and much more strongly associated with magnetic field exposure indices. Brain cancer risk increased by an estimated factor of 1.94 per microtesla-year of magnetic field exposure in the previous 2-10 years, with a mortality ratio of 2.6 in the highest exposure category.
American Journal of Epidemiology, 15 Jan. 1995, Vol.141, No.2, p.123-134. 33 ref.

CIS 95-1812 Simonsen L., Midtgård U., Lund S.P., Hass U.
Nordic Council of Ministers
Occupational neurotoxicity: Evaluation of neurotoxicity data for selected chemicals
Previously determined criteria for evaluating published data on the neurotoxicity of chemicals (see CIS 95-000) were applied to the literature on 79 common industrial chemicals. Data were too sparse to permit classification of 28. Of the rest, eight were classified as probably and 16 as possibly neurotoxic, and the following 27 as definitely neurotoxic: acrylamide, acrylonitrile, aluminium, arsenic, sodium azide, borax, boric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon disulfide, potassium cyanide, ethanol, ethylene oxide, hexachlorophene, manganese, mercury, methanol, methyl bromide, methyl butyl ketone (2-hexanone), methyl chloride, methyl methacrylate, n-hexane, nitrous oxide, styrene, thallium, toluene, trichloroethylene, triorthocresyl phosphate.
National Institute of Occupational Health, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 København Ø, Denmark, 1995. 119p. Bibl.ref.

CIS 95-1355 Hartmann B.
Backache and headache among workers in the construction industry
Rückenschmerzen und Kopfschmerzen unter Beschäftigten der Bauwirtschaft [in German]
Data from periodic medical examinations of 6,494 workers in the construction industry in Hamburg, Germany, were evaluated to determine the relationship between backache and headache. Employees were divided according to age into the groups aged less than 25, 25 to 44 and 45 or older. In all three age groups headaches were significantly related with the occurrence of backaches. The professions with unnatural work postures were least affected by headaches. Indurative myitis and other impairment of the paravertebral muscles were found to be associated with headaches. Headaches of non-organic origin are indicators of a possible psychological component in backache complaints, which should be taken into account at the stage of anamnesis.
Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Umweltmedizin, Mar. 1995, Vol.30, No.3, p.129-134. Illus. 29 ref.

CIS 95-1500 Gemne G., Brammer A.J., Hagberg M., Lundström R., Nilsson T.
Stockholm Workshop 94. Hand-arm vibration syndrome: Diagnostics and quantitative relationships to exposure - Proceedings
Proceedings of a conference on hand-arm vibration syndrome and diagnostics and quantitative relationships to exposure held in Sweden, 25-28 May 1994. Papers include: vibration exposure and vibration-induced white finger among stoneworkers; hand-transmitted vibration and its effects; vibration transmission and hand-arm impedance; the occurrence of sensorineural disorders and their relationship to vibration exposure; five-year follow-up of nerve conduction over the carpal tunnel; overview of quantitative diagnostic tests in vibration-induced white finger; influence of hand dimensions and grip force on vibration transmission into the hand; additive acute effects of multi-axis vibration exposure from hand-held vibrating tools; occupational carpal tunnel syndrome in the construction industry.
Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1995. 199p. Illus. Bibl. ref.

CIS 95-1398 XXIIIrd 1994 French National Congress of Occupational Medicine - Theme I
XXIIIes Journées nationales de Médecine du Travail, Besançon, France, 7-10 juin 1994 - Thème n°1 - Neurotoxicité des solvants à de faibles doses d'exposition [in French]
Main issues dealt with at the XXIIIrd National Congress of Occupational Medicine (Besançon, France), 7-10 June, 1994 include: neurotoxicity of low doses of solvents (S): research on exposure to low levels of S in the construction industry; value of charts in the study of neurotoxic effects of S; assessment of exposure to S and their neurological effects in a paint factory; dyschromatopsies and exposure to S; effects on colour vision of exposure to organic S in the paint industry; implementing practical measures after determining that a group exposed to S is at risk; research into people whose central nervous system has been prematurely affected by S; assessment of exposure to S: comparison of expert's report and results of atmospheric and biological tests; psycho-organic solvent syndrome; the psychosyndrome of S and research into sleep apnoea; sleep apnoea syndrome and exposure to S; multiple chemical sensitivity: a study of 30 cases; the value of a battery of psychometric tests used in occupational psychology for detecting the neuro-behavioural toxic effects of organic S; recurrent neurological attacks with an abnormal excretion of trichloracetic acid (TCA) in the urine. Report on one case; occupational exposure to low levels of S and neurophysical effects: a cross-sectional study.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, 1995, Vol.56, No.2, p.87-126. Bibl.ref.

CIS 95-1450 Stephens R., Spurgeon A., Beach J., Calvert I., Berry H., Levy L., Harrington J.M.
Health and Safety Executive
An investigation into the possible chronic neuropsychological and neurological effects of occupational exposure to organophosphates in sheep farmers
A study was made of mood, symptoms, cognitive functioning, psychiatric state and neurological symptoms in a group of 146 male sheep farmers and farm workers exposed to organophosphates through sheep dipping. Acute, delayed and chronic effects were assessed by means of questionnaire, neuropsychological tests and neurological examination. The study confirmed the occurrence of subtle chronic effects on the nervous system in exposed individuals; further analysis indicated that these effects occurred in individuals with only two years of exposure. Although the effects identified are not severe, results suggest that exposure to organophosphates should be reduced by encouraging the use of protective clothing and appropriate dipping equipment.
HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1995. xiv, 187p. Illus. 66 ref. Price: GBP 35.00.

CIS 95-1142 Diwaker H.N., Stothard J.
What do doctors mean by tenosynovitis and repetitive strain injury?
A questionnaire survey of doctors (54 respondents) was carried out to investigate what doctors mean by tenosynovitis and repetitive strain injury and what diagnostic criteria they use. Diagnostic criteria for tenosynovitis and professional cramp varied greatly. Understanding of the term 'repetitive strain injury' was so variable that the term is considered to be meaningless; half of the respondents felt that there was no genuine organic condition corresponding to their assessment of what the term means. It is recommended that the term repetitive strain injury should no longer be used.
Occupational Medicine, Apr. 1995, Vol.45, No.2, p.97-104. 24 ref.

1994

CIS 98-1742 Solé Gómez M.D.
Neurotoxicity: Colour vision evaluation
Neurotoxicidad: estudio de la visión cromática [in Spanish]
Topics: colour vision deficiency; colour vision; data sheet; neurotoxic effects; Spain; vision tests.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1994. 6p. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 97-1749 Fanelli C., et al.
The personal and work-related rehabilitation of former drug addicts
Il recupero personale e lavorativo dell'ex-tossicodipendente [in Italian]
Results are reported of a longitudinal survey of 55 former drug addicts undergoing rehabilitation in an Italian therapeutic community. Treatment involved psychological tests for evaluating damage resulting from exposure to neurotoxic substances, and tests for evaluating the functional structure of the personality. There was no evidence of a weakening of the advanced nervous functions; in some cases, performance levels were higher than those of unexposed subjects. Personality tests indicated that adults were demonstrating emotional attitudes typical of an adolescent age group.
Prevenzione oggi, Apr.-June 1994, Vol.VI, No.2, p.45-55. 13 ref.

CIS 97-903 Chia S.E., et al.
Postural stability of workers exposed to lead
Postural stability was investigated with a computerized postural sway measurement system in 60 workers exposed to lead with a duration of exposure of 84 months and in 60 controls. The results show that workers exposed to lead had significantly poorer postural stability than the controls. Lead may affect certain parts of the whole sensory neural axis, resulting in postural instability when the visual input is cut off.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1994, Vol.51, No.11, p.768-771. 20 ref.

CIS 97-550 Cocco P., Dosemeci M., Gomez M. R., Heinemann E. H., Stewart P. A., Blair A.
A retrospective evaluation of exposure to dichloromethane by using a job-exposure matrix
Valutazione retrospettiva della esposizione a diclorometano mediante una matrice mansione-esposizione [in Italian]
In this report of a case-control study that evaluated the association of occupational exposure to dichloromethane with astrocytic brain cancer, the efficacy of the following three features of a job-exposure matrix was tested: probability of exposure, exposure assessment by decade of exposure, and use of a more specific coding system of industries and occupations. The results show a reduction in exposure misclassification due to the introduction of these features.
Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 1994, Vol.85, No.1, p.84-87. 3 ref.

CIS 96-1780 Pfister E., Böckelmann I., Brosz M., Ferl T., Winter C.G.
Determination of neurotoxic effects caused by long-term exposure to lead in the Saxony-Anhalt copper industry by means of psychometric performance tests
Ermittlung neurotoxischer Effekte infolge langjähriger Bleiexposition in der Kupferindustrie Sachsen-Anhalts anhand psychometrischer Leistungsdaten [in German]
The influence of long-term exposure to lead on perceptual-motor performance was studied in 109 workers of a copper smelter in the Land of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany (ex-GDR). The workers had been exposed throughout a 10-year period to permissible lead concentrations of somewhat above 0.025mg/m3, which amounted to somewhat more than one quarter of the exposure limit. The average blood lead level amounted to 31.2µg/dL which was less than half the biological threshold limit. The performance of the lead-exposed workers in 7 computer-aided psychometric tests was compared to that of a non-exposed control group of 27 workers of a mechanical engineering plant. No statistically significant relationship between the blood lead levels and the perceptual-motor performance was found for the exposed group. It is concluded that perceptual-motor performance is not a good indicator of the latent effects caused by a long-term sub-clinical exposure to lead.
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, Dec. 1994, Vol.44, No.12, p.422-432. Illus. 58 ref.

CIS 96-846 Camerino D., Cassito M.G., Fanelli C., Fattorini E., Giglioli R.
Contribution to the definition of neurobehavioural methods for occupational medicine: From a rigid physiognomy to a variable geometry structure
Contributo ad una definizione di metodi neurocomportamentali per la medicina del lavoro: da una fisionomia rigida ad una struttura a geometria variabile [in Italian]
The International Network for Computer-Based Neurobehavioural Evaluation of Toxicity (INCNET), working since many years in the field of behavioural neurotoxicology, has developed a questionnaire software, based on a string of neurobehavioural tests called EUNES (European Neurobehavioural Evaluation System). The target is the multi-centre evaluation of the effects on the central nervous system of subjects occupationally exposed to solvents.
Prevenzione oggi, Oct.-Dec. 1994, Vol.6, No.4, p.139-162. 43 ref.

CIS 96-798 Wennberg A.
Neurotoxic effects of selected metals
A substance is considered to be neurotoxic if it is capable of inducing a consistent pattern of neural dysfunction or lesion in the nervous system. Several metals are known as neurotoxic. Among them, four were selected as being especially important from the occupational point of view: lead, manganese, aluminium and mercury. All four have proved to be neurotoxic even though the toxic mechanisms may be unclear or unknown. This paper reviews the recently published documentation on the neurotoxic properties of these metals, from the general as well as the occupational point of view.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 1994, Vol.20, Special issue, p.65-71. Illus. 70 ref.

CIS 96-837 Lille F., Margules S., Fournier E., Dally S., Garnier R.
Effects of occupational lead exposure on motor and somatosensory evoked potentials
In order to determine the exact effects of inorganic lead compounds on the nervous system, 17 occupationally exposed men were tested for Motor Electric Potentials (MEPs) of the abductor policis brevis muscles with transcranial, cervical root and peripheral electrical stimulations, for Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEPs) of the median and tibial posterior nerves, and for electromyography (EMG). Sixteen of the 17 subjects exhibited electrophysiological abnormalities, occurring at both peripheral and central levels for the somatosensory as well as for the motor systems. Lead exposure was also related to decreased sensory and motor peripheral conduction velocities, increased motor central conduction time, and delayed cortical P22 SEPs component that could be interpreted as a sensory-motor cortical dysfunction. The respective contributions of MEPs and SEPs are compared to clinical, biological and EMG examinations in the evaluation of the neurotoxic effects of inorganic lead compounds.
Neurotoxicology, Fall 1994, Vol.15, No.3, p.679-683. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 96-607 Iregren A.
Using psychological tests for the early detection of neurotoxic effects of low level manganese exposure
Detection of early signs of manganese exposure is fundamental to the prevention of chronic neurotoxic illness in manganese-exposed populations. Five studies and preliminary data from a sixth are reviewed which reported using behavioural measures to explore possible central nervous system effects from current industrial levels of manganese exposure in asymptomatic populations. The paper also provides a discussion of some aspects that may make a test of motor function sensitive to the effects from manganese exposure, and, finally, presents a recommendation for a core set of tests that may be efficient to use while testing for the early neurotoxic effects from low level manganese exposure.
Neurotoxicology, Fall 1994, Vol.15, No.3, p.671-677. 13 ref.

CIS 96-606 Beuter A., Mergler D., de Geoffroy A., Carrière L., Bélanger S., Varghese L., Sreekumar J., Gauthier S.
Diadochokinesimetry: A study of patients with Parkinson's disease and manganese exposed workers
Diadochokinesia, the ability to perform rapid alternating movements, is often impaired among patients with Parkinsonism or manganism. In the present study, patients (n=11) with Parkinson's disease are compared with workers formerly exposed to manganese (n=10) and control subjects (n=11) performing rapid alternating hand movements. Data recorded on a diadochokinesimeter were digitalized in real time. Significant differences were found between control subjects and patients with Parkinson's disease, but not with manganese-exposed workers, in most variables examined. However, trajectory length (a combination of movement amplitude and velocity) indicated that manganese-exposed workers and patients with Parkinsonism were significantly different from the controls in functional asymmetries between right and left hand. In addition, workers and patients tend to have marked differences between their right and left hand performance.
Neurotoxicology, Fall 1994, Vol.15, No.3, p.655-664. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 96-729 Ruijten M.W.M.M., Hooisma J., Brons J.T., Habets C.E.P., Emmen H.H., Muijser H.
Neurobehavioral effects of long-term exposure to xylene and mixed organic solvents in shipyard spray painters
A cross-sectional study was performed in shipyard painters exposed to organic solvents and age-matched referents. The work duties of the painters mainly involved spray painting with solvent-based paints containing > 50% xylene. Results indicate that complaints regarding mood changes, equilibrium and fatigue were more severe in painters than in controls, but were not related to the estimated life-time exposure index. Decreased nerve function was observed in the lower extremities and to some extent in the upper extremities. The refractory period appeared to be a sensitive parameter in motor nerves. Most neurophysiological parameters investigated were significantly related to the exposure index. Behavioural testing revealed impairment of simple visuo-motor performance and complex perceptual coding. A relationship between effects on perceptual coding and the exposure index was also demonstrated.
Neurotoxicology, Fall 1994, Vol.15, No.3, p.613-620. 33 ref.

CIS 95-2143 Rebert C.S., Hall T.A.
The neuroepidemiology of styrene: A critical review of representative literature
Several studies of workers exposed to styrene for up to 30 years have been undertaken in factories worldwide. Epidemiologists have suggested that neurophysical deficits such as slowing of reaction time, loss of colour vision and vestibulo-oculomotor dysfunction are reliably induced by styrene at levels near or below current exposure standards. However, the workers so studied were always described as healthy, and the effects noted were considered to be subclinical. A detailed evaluation of much of the neuroepidemiological literature on styrene, however, indicated that the findings were, almost universally, false positive outcomes due to (1) type I statistical error, (2) the action of another factor, and (3) misinterpretation of data. Despite the study of workers exposed for many years, no indications of persisting nervous system damage were evident from this review. The conclusions of this review are consistent with those based on critical reviews of the solvent literature in general.
Critical Reviews in Toxicology, Oct. 1994, Vol.24, Suppl., p.S57-S106. 162 ref.

CIS 95-1780 Lagerkvist B.J., Zetterlund B.
Assessment of exposure to arsenic among smelter workers: A five-year follow-up
Studies of copper smelter workers exposed to arsenic dust for 13-45 years were carried out in 1982 and 1987. In both studies, peripheral nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) were significantly lower than in a matching reference group; there was a significant negative correlation between estimated total absorption of arsenic and NCVs in peripheral nerves. The differences in NCVs between the groups had increased during the follow-up period, although exposure to arsenic was lower. The data indicate that the adverse effects of arsenic on the peripheral nerves is dependent on long-term exposure rather than on short-term fluctuations in exposure levels.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1994, Vol.25, No.4, p.477-488. 38 ref.

CIS 95-1896 Osorio A.M., Ames R.G., Jones J., Castorina J., Rempel D., Estrin W., Thompson D.
Carpal tunnel syndrome among grocery store workers
A study was carried out among 56 grocery store workers at a large supermarket in California, USA. Forceful and repetitive wrist motion was measured using a job classification scheme, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was assessed by means of a medical questionnaire and measurements of median sensory nerve conduction. Overall prevalence of CTS was 23%. The relative risk of CTS-like symptoms between high risk workers (checkers, meat cutters and cake decorators) and all other employees was 8.3%. Basic principles of good ergonomic design should be used to prevent or diminish the risk of musculoskeletal injury among these workers.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 1994, Vol.25, No.2, p.229-245. 31 ref.

CIS 95-1408 White R.F., Robins T.G., Proctor S., Echeverria D., Rocskay A.S.
Neuropsychological effects of exposure to naphtha among automotive workers
The association between exposure to naphtha and neurobehavioural measures was examined prospectively over one year among workers employed at an automotive plant that used naphtha to calibrate fuel injectors. In June 1988, 248 workers were tested and 185 of these were tested again in 1989. Concentrations of naphtha at the plant ranged from 6 to 709mg/m3, although exposure was greater in 1988 than in 1989. Duration of exposure for individual subjects ranged from 0.8-7.3yrs. Threshold model analyses of the 1989 data showed an association between score on visual reproductions immediate recall and daily exposure to naphtha at or above 1,050h x mg/m3. Models of chronic exposure showed no associations between chronic exposure and negative neurobehavioural outcome. Results suggest that naphtha produces mild acute reversible effects on function of the central nervous system at or above daily exposure of 540h x mg/m3 (approximately 90ppm/h).
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1994, Vol.51, No.2, p.102-112. 70 ref.

CIS 95-987 Chiba M., Kazuta T., Shinohara A., Takahashi H., Endo G., Inaba Y.
Case report: Arsenic-exposed patient with polyneuritis
Hiso bakuro sagyōsha ni mirareta tahatsu shinkeien no ichi shōrei [in Japanese]
A 50-year-old male carpenter complained of numbness in the upper and lower limbs. Because of his having been exposed to airborne dust containing arsenic pentoxide, potassium dichromate and copper sulfate as wood preservatives, he was suspected of having contracted neuritis caused by arsenic poisoning. No irregularity was found except dysaesthesia in the four limbs and light hypoaesthesia in the hands and legs. Paraneoplastic neuropathy, amyloidosis and Sjogren's syndrome were ruled out. Arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) concentrations in scalp hair, fingernail, plasma, erythrocytes and urine were determined. As and Cr concentrations were much higher than in controls. There was no difference in Cu concentration between the patient and the control. This suggests that the patient's polyneuritis was due to arsenic poisoning.
Occupational Health Journal, 25 Apr. 1994, Vol.17, No.3, p.39-41. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 95-934 23rd National Symposium on Occupational Medicine
23e Journées nationales de médecine du travail [in French]
Programme of the 23rd National Symposium on Occupational Medicine held in Besançon, France, from 7 to 10 June 1994 and dealing with three topics (I. Neurotoxicity of exposures to low doses of solvents; II. Health and precarious work; III. Mental strain and stress of contemporary work - role of the industrial physician), themselves divided into 3 parts: introductory report, papers and posters. Main papers presented: I. Exposure to low doses of solvents in the construction industry; value of cartography in the study of the neurotoxic effects of solvents; exposure to solvents in a paint plant; Dychromatopsy and solvent exposure; Exposure to low doses of organic solvents and colour vision in the painting industry. II. Case reports (safety among temporary construction workers); industrial physicians' experiences (follow-up of temporary workers exposed to noise, positions held by temporary workers); work organization (precarious work among cashiers); occupational accidents and diseases (the Forbach accident, France, the Ardystil case in Spain); health, employment, use of health services; prevention and temporary work; III. Mental strain and stress - role of the industrial physician; work variation and mental stress, computerization of process operators' tasks; OHS in a chemical plant, burnout syndrome, etc.
CHU de Besançon, Service de médecine du travail et des risques professionnels, Hôpital Saint-Jacques, 25030 Besançon Cedex, France, 1994. approx. 150p.

CIS 95-635 Sjögren B., Ljunggren K.G., Almkvist O., Frech W., Basun H.
Aluminosis and dementia
This brief communication describes a case study of a patient, born in 1915, who worked in an aluminium powder mill between 1944 and 1946. Aluminosis was diagnosed in 1946. At the age of 78, he showed clear signs of dementia with no evidence of cerebrovascular disease. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid revealed a high concentration of aluminium.
Lancet, 22 Oct. 1994, Vol.344, No.8930, p.1154. 5 ref.

CIS 95-626 Simonsen L., Johnsen H., Lund S.P., Matikainen E., Midtgård U., Wennberg A.
Methodological approach to the evaluation of neurotoxicity data and the classification of neurotoxic chemicals
Results of studies undertaken by a working group on criteria for the identification and classification of neurotoxic chemicals. A definition of neurotoxicity criteria for evaluating studies dealing with neurotoxicology are presented. The evaluation is a step-by-step process that ends with assigning the chemicals to groups depending on the available evidence for neurotoxicity (ie. neurotoxic, probably neurotoxic, possibly neurotoxic, probably not neurotoxic, or not classifiable). The model was tested by evaluating selected research papers on 10 chemicals. There was sufficient evidence for classifying five of the 10 chemicals (aluminium, manganese, n-hexane, trichloroethylene, tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate) as definitely neurotoxic in humans, and three were considered to be possibly neurotoxic in humans (dichlorvos, tetrahydrofuran, vinyl chloride). Cyclohexanone and formaldehyde were not classifiable according to the model.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 1994, Vol.20, No.1, p.1-12. Illus. 46 ref.

CIS 95-377 Okogbaa O.G., Shell R.L., Filipusic D.
On the investigation of the neurophysiological correlates of knowledge worker mental fatigue using the EEG signal
Applied Ergonomics, Dec. 1994, Vol.25, No.6, p.355-365. Illus. 57 ref. ###

CIS 95-225 Hakkola M.
Neuropsychological symptoms among tanker drivers with exposure to solvents
Questionnaire-based study of 61 drivers routinely exposed to organic solvents (gasoline) and of two groups of controls. No statistically significant differences were found for any neuropsychological symptom between any of the groups.
Occupational Medicine, Dec. 1994, Vol.44, No.5, p.243-246. 10 ref. ###

CIS 95-227 Kishi R., Doi R., Fukuchi Y., Satoh H., Satoh T., Ono A., Moriwaka F., Tashiro K., Takahata N., Sasatani H., Shirakashi H., Kamada T., Nakagawa K.
Residual neurobehavioural effects associated with chronic exposure to mercury vapour
To find the residual effects of long-term exposure to mercury vapour, neurobehavioural tests were given to ex-mercury miners about 18 years after the end of mercury exposure. Seventy-six male ex-mercury miners who had been exposed to high concentrations of mercury vapour (>1.0mg/m3) and with a history of mercury intoxication were compared with controls matched for age (within three years), sex, and education. Although the extent of the workers' symptoms caused by mercury poisoning, termed erethismus mercurialis, decreased considerably after the end of exposure, matched paired comparison showed that performances of motor coordination, simple reaction time, and short-term memory had deteriorated significantly in the exposed group. These results suggest that there are slight but persistent effects on neurobehavioural function, especially on motor coordination, among mercury miners even more than 10 years after the end of exposure.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 1994, Vol.51, No.1, p.35-41. Illus. 40 ref.

CIS 94-1929 Newberg A.B.
Changes in the central nervous system and their clinical correlates during long-term spaceflight
Changes that occur in the human central nervous system (CNS) during long-duration spaceflight are reviewed. Effects discussed include: changes in the neurovestibular and sensory systems; CNS changes due to musculoskeletal alterations; sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm; radiation effects on the CNS; fluid and electrolyte influences on the CNS; neurotransmitter changes in the CNS; psychological and behavioural changes. More extensive and persistent changes might be expected with extended stays in space.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, June 1994, Vol.65, No.6, p.562-572. 94 ref.

CIS 94-2095 Panosian M.S., Dutcher P.O.
Transtympanic facial nerve injury in welders
Two cases of facial nerve paralysis following ear injury from molten metal or hot sparks produced during welding procedures are described. While the risk of such injury is small, the effects can be significant. The conventional welder's visor helmet, when worn correctly, shields the ear against sparks from the front, but when worn open or when working overhead or in cramped conditions, this protection is lost. The use of flame-resistant ear plugs or ear protectors in welding procedures that place the ear at risk would offer added protection.
Occupational Medicine, May 1994, Vol.44, No.2, p.99-101. 8 ref.

CIS 94-1940 Betemps E.J., Buncher C.R., Clark C.S.
Proportional mortality analysis of wastewater treatment system workers by birthplace with comments on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
A proportional mortality study was conducted on a large cohort of wastewater treatment system workers who were divided into two groups (immigrants and non-immigrants) by place of birth as reported on their death certificates. The immigrant worker had a significantly higher incidence of stomach cancer, leukaemia and lymphopoietic cancers than would be expected in the US white male population. Immigrant workers also had an elevated ratio for all diseases of the nervous system and sense organs. No cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were found. The American-born workers had an elevated rate of death for arteriosclerotic heart disease compared with the US white male population. Place of birth may present a confounding factor when evaluating exposures in employee groups.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Jan. 1994, Vol.36, No.1, p.31-35. 26 ref.

CIS 94-1426 Owen R.D.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: A products liability prospective
Information is provided on the evaluation and litigation of product liability cases involving carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the USA. The history of CTS is outlined followed by medical aspects, factors combining to produce CTS (physical environment, ergonomic exposure) and remediation techniques. The current state of litigation relative to CTS is then discussed including the duty of manufacturers to design, produce and distribute safe products and to provide warning notices where necessary.
Ergonomics, Mar. 1994, Vol.37, No.3, p.449-476. Illus. 43 ref.

CIS 94-1083 Smutz W.P., Miller S.C., Eaton C.J., Bloswick D.S., France E.P.
Investigation of low-force high-frequency activities on the development of carpal-tunnel syndrome
One possible mechanism of tendon damage in carpal-tunnel syndrome is fraying of the tendons as they slide past each other in the carpal tunnel. In this study, increases in tendon friction were measured in human cadaver arms. Results showed that tendon force distal to the carpal tunnel decreased by over 10% after six hours. Results of an animal study showed that highly repetitive motions encountered over a relatively short period of time had little effect on the tissues in and around the carpal tunnel.
Clinical Biomechanics, Jan. 1994, Vol.9, No.1, p.15-20. Illus. 18 ref.

1993

CIS 97-900 Edling C., et al.
Increase in neuropsychiatric symptoms after occupational exposure to low levels of styrene
Twenty men exposed to styrene at a plastics factory and 20 non-exposed men participated in this study to evaluate neurotoxicity of low-level styrene exposure. The exposed men had significantly more neuropsychiatric symptoms than the referents although there were no significant differences for the psychometric tests performed. At follow-up, the exposed men reported fewer symptoms. This study indicates that symptoms are earlier indicators of adverse effects than complex tests and underlines the importance of regular follow-up of people exposed to styrene and probably to organic solvents in general.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 1993, Vol.50, No.9, p.843-850. Illus. 14 ref.

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