[Evaluation of the combined effect of various harmful physical and chemical factors on the nervous system].

The authors present the results of medical examinations of 444 workers from an aluminum electrolysis plants with occupational exposure to fluorides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, aluminum dust and electromagnetic fields. The concentration of fluorides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exceeded the accepted levels. Nervous system changes, probably caused by occupational harmful factors, were demonstrated in 123 workers, with neurotic syndromes in 89. Slight pyramidal and cerebellar changes were observed in the remaining 39 workers. In 71 cases EEG investigations were done and 10 were abnormal, including 9 with seizure activity, and one with diffuse changes. The authors stress great difficulties in evaluating the combined action of toxic and physical factors on the nervous system.