title: Sleep disturbances and neurotoxicity in workers exposed to hydrocarbons. An observational study from Algeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Occupational exposure to solvents may lead to neurotoxicity and sleep disturbances. We aimed to investigate the association of occupational exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons with neurotoxicity and sleep disturbance symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  We included male workers handling/distributing petroleum products (exposed, n = 250) and electricians (non-exposed, n = 250) from two companies in Tlemcen (Algeria). Neurotoxicity was evaluated with the Q-16 questionnaire, and sleep disturbances with the Epworth and the Berlin questionnaires. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variances were applied obtaining risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, the prevalence of reported neurotoxicity and sleep disturbance symptoms was higher in exposed than in non-exposed workers. Significant adjusted associations were observed for neurotoxicity, snoring, and excessive sleepiness (RR = 2.2, CI: 1.7-2.8; RR = 1.4; CI: 1.1-1.7; RR = 1.3, CI: 1.2-1.5, respectively). No significant associations were observed with the Epworth score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our questionnaire-based cross-sectional study suggests that exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons is associated with self-reported sleep disturbances and neurotoxicity symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Medical Toxicology "Toximed," Faculty of Medicine, University Abou Bekr, Tlemcen, Algeria.
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sekkal
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Lidia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Casas
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Medical Toxicology "Toximed," Faculty of Medicine, University Abou Bekr, Tlemcen, Algeria.
authors.forename: Nahida
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haddam
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Medical Toxicology "Toximed," Faculty of Medicine, University Abou Bekr, Tlemcen, Algeria.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bouhacina
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Scheers
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Medical Toxicology "Toximed," Faculty of Medicine, University Abou Bekr, Tlemcen, Algeria.
authors.forename: Abdesselam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taleb
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Benoit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nemery
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000462:Algeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D000066388:Oil and Gas Industry; D010578:Petroleum / Q000633:toxicity; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D057566:Self Report; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D006838:Hydrocarbons; D010578:Petroleum
keywords: Occupational medicine; hydrocarbons; neurotoxicity; sleep symptoms