Neurotoxic effects in mercury-exposed workers.
Mercury levels in blood and urine and several nerve conduction velocities (CV) were measured in two groups of workers exposed to mercury (Hg) and in a reference group. Furthermore neuropsychiatric examination and psychological tests were performed. There was a significant mild degree of slowing of sensory CV, but no dose-effect relationship was evaluated on a group basis. The individual assessment showed in some cases hints of abnormal CV caused by mercury exposure. Significant correlations were found between duration of exposure and decrease of short-term memory. However there was no relationship in the case of the other psychological tests. In conclusion, results indicate that there are no disorders of central and/or peripheral nervous system function if the valid Biological Threshold Limit Values in FRG (50 micrograms Hg/l blood and/or 200 micrograms Hg/l urine) are not exceeded.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D008628:Mercury