title: Ethylbenzene-induced hearing loss, neurobehavioral function, and neurotransmitter alterations in petrochemical workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate hearing loss, neurobehavioral function, and neurotransmitter alteration induced by ethylbenzene in petrochemical workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  From two petrochemical plants, 246 and 307 workers exposed to both ethylbenzene and noise were recruited-290 workers exposed to noise only from a power station plant and 327 office personnel as control group, respectively. Hearing and neurobehavioral functions were evaluated. Serum neurotransmitters were also determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of hearing loss was much higher in petrochemical groups than that in power station and control groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, scores of neurobehavioral function reflecting learning and memory were decreased in petrochemical workers (P < 0.05), as well as acetylcholinesterase activity. Negative correlation was shown between neurobehavioral function and acetylcholinesterase.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ethylbenzene exposure might be associated with hearing loss, neurobehavioral function impairment, and imbalance of neurotransmitters.
authors: Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, China.
authors: Ming
authors: M
authors: Zhang
authors: Yanrang
authors: Y
authors: Wang
authors: Qian
authors: Q
authors: Wang
authors: Deyi
authors: D
authors: Yang
authors: Jingshu
authors: J
authors: Zhang
authors: Fengshan
authors: F
authors: Wang
authors: Qing
authors: Q
authors: Gu
mesh_terms: D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D001555:Benzene Derivatives / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019652:Extraction and Processing Industry; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000097:blood; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010578:Petroleum
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D001555:Benzene Derivatives; D015415:Biomarkers; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010578:Petroleum; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase; C004912:ethylbenzene