title: Brain but not lung functions impaired after a chlorine incident.
abstract: A workplace bleach exposure incident was studied in 13 women to determine whether chlorine caused neurobehavioral and pulmonary functional effects. We compared neurophysiological and neuropsychological measurements in 13 chlorine-exposed women, 4.5 years after exposure, and 41 unexposed women. Reaction times, balance, blink reflex latency, color discrimination and several psychological tests were measured. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. A profile of mood states and frequencies of 35 symptoms were obtained. Chlorine exposed women performed statistically significantly below unexposed women for simple and choice reaction times, balance with eyes open and eyes closed, color discrimination, grip strength, Culture Fair, digit symbol substitution, vocabulary, trail making B and pegboard. Profile of mood states scores and frequency symptoms were elevated. Respiratory symptoms were elevated but pulmonary volumes and flows were not reduced. Chlorine bleach exposure was associated with impaired neurobehavioral functions and elevated POMS scores and symptom frequencies. Alternatives to chlorine should be used.
authors: Environmental Sciences Laboratory, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 2025 Zonal Avenue, CSC 201, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
authors: Kaye H
authors: KH
authors: Kilburn
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002713:Chlorine / Q000506:poisoning*; D003902:Detergents / Q000506:poisoning*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006796:Household Work; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D002713:Chlorine