Long-term exposure to solvents impairs vigilance and postural control in serigraphy workers.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Vouriot
Alexandre
A
Faculty of Medicine, National Institute for Health and Medical Research, Henri Poincaré University, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
Hannhart
Bernard
B
Gauchard
Gérome C
GC
Barot
Alain
A
Ledin
Torbjorn
T
Mur
Jean-Marie
JM
Perrin
Philippe P
PP
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000187:drug effects*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic