OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of solvent exposure (mainly aromatic hydrocarbons) on central regulation of vigilance and postural control, particularly in occasional difficult situations that provide sensorial conflicts. METHODS: Twenty-two workers occupationally exposed to solvents for an average of approximately 6 years and 21 controls were compared by the use of a questionnaire on their state of vigilance and quality of sleep and on performance measurements of postural control under six different sensorimotor conditions. Their current median exposure levels to aromatic hydrocarbons was 80.1 mg/m(3). RESULTS: Exposed workers reported reduced alertness but not disturbance of sleep quality compared with controls. Moreover, they had the worst postural performance in all sensory conditions and demonstrated a reduced ability to resolve sensory conflict situations. The precision of stance was clearly affected by solvent exposure in contrast with energy consumption required to regulate proper balance control. CONCLUSIONS: The depressive effect of aromatic hydrocarbon exposure on cortical and subcortical structures controlling vigilance and postural stability could lead to increased risk of occupational accident, especially due to falls. The detection of central neurotoxic effects by posturographic and vigilance tests could be useful in preventive strategies.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of solvent exposure (mainly aromatic hydrocarbons) on central regulation of vigilance and postural control, particularly in occasional difficult situations that provide sensorial conflicts. METHODS: Twenty-two workers occupationally exposed to solvents for an average of approximately 6 years and 21 controls were compared by the use of a questionnaire on their state of vigilance and quality of sleep and on performance measurements of postural control under six different sensorimotor conditions. Their current median exposure levels to aromatic hydrocarbons was 80.1 mg/m(3). RESULTS: Exposed workers reported reduced alertness but not disturbance of sleep quality compared with controls. Moreover, they had the worst postural performance in all sensory conditions and demonstrated a reduced ability to resolve sensory conflict situations. The precision of stance was clearly affected by solvent exposure in contrast with energy consumption required to regulate proper balance control. CONCLUSIONS: The depressive effect of aromatic hydrocarbon exposure on cortical and subcortical structures controlling vigilance and postural stability could lead to increased risk of occupational accident, especially due to falls. The detection of central neurotoxic effects by posturographic and vigilance tests could be useful in preventive strategies.
Authors: L B Smith; A Bhattacharya; G Lemasters; P Succop; E Puhala; M Medvedovic; J Joyce Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 1997-07 Impact factor: 2.162
Authors: M Niklasson; C Möller; L M Odkvist; K Ekberg; U Flodin; N Dige; A Sköldestig Journal: Scand J Work Environ Health Date: 1997-06 Impact factor: 5.024
Authors: Guillaume Herpin; Gerome C Gauchard; Alexandre Vouriot; Bernard Hannhart; Alain Barot; Jean-Marie Mur; Denis Zmirou-Navier; Philippe P Perrin Journal: Neurotox Res Date: 2008 May-Jun Impact factor: 3.911
Authors: Laetitia Peultier-Celli; Didier Mainard; Frank Wein; Nicolas Paris; Patrick Boisseau; Alexandre Ferry; René Gueguen; Isabelle Chary-Valckenaere; Jean Paysant; Philippe Perrin Journal: Front Surg Date: 2017-11-07