Epidemiology Study
Neurobehavioral and Neurophysiological Outcome of Chronic Low-Level Tetrachloroethene Exposure Measured in Neighborhoods of Dry Cleaning Shops

https://doi.org/10.1006/enrs.1995.1028Get rights and content

Abstract

The effects of chronic low-level tetrachloroethene (TCE) exposure on functions of the central nervous system (CNS) were measured in subjects living in the neighborhood of dry cleaning shops with a mean residential time of 10.6 years. Neurobehavioral tests were performed using a German version of the NES battery. Additionally, pattern reversal visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded. The mean blood TCE concentration in the subjects was 17.8 μg/liter and the median indoor TCE air concentration measured in the residences was 1.36 mg/m3. The outcome of the NES subtests for vigilance, simple reaction time, as well as visual memory differed statistically significantly between the exposed subjects and the controls, whereas for VEP latencies the differences were statistically not significant. It is concluded that despite the low exposure levels, CNS functions might be affected by TCE in subjects living close to a dry cleaning facility if the exposure lasts for several years.

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    Additionally, there is evidence of associations between PCE and other neurotoxic outcomes such as decreased cognition, ocular effects, and impairment of neuropsychological function (e.g. reaction time) (ATSDR, 2019; Bale et al., 2011; Guyton et al., 2014; White et al., 1995), which have been observed in both animal experiments and epidemiological studies in occupational and community settings. Studies following chronic occupational exposure to PCE have suggested that exposure influences the functioning of the front lobes (mediating executive functioning and reasoning) as well as the limbic system (mediating mood and memory) (Altmann et al., 1995; Echeverria et al., 1995; Seeber, 1989). Thus, a potential mechanism in which PCE may lead to use of drugs could be related due to neurological changes that impair impulse control and adversely influence judgement and mood as observed in occupational studies (Altmann et al, 1992, 1995; Janulewicz et al., 2012).

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