Neuropsychological sequelae of exposure to welding fumes in a group of occupationally exposed men.

This study compares the neuropsychological function, emotional status, visual function, and illness prevalence of 76 former and current chemical industry welders primarily involved in steel welding, and exposed to welding fumes for an average of 24.9 years with that of 42 unexposed, non-welder controls. Health and occupational history questionnaires were administered, as were the neuropsychological tests included in the World Health Organization Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery, Luria Motor Test, and selected tests from the WAIS-III, and WMS-III.

Neuropsychological effects of ethylene dichloride exposure.

Production of 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC) has increased and exposure to it has been reported to produce adverse effects in animals and CNS effects in humans. A group of 221 EDC exposed hazardous clean-up workers incurred chronic exposure to EDC without protective equipment. A clinical history and the following tests were administered: the WHO Adult Environmental Neurobehavioral Test Battery (AENTB), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-III); WRAT 3 Reading, Cancellation H, Trail Making, Stroop, Rey Osterreith, Animal Naming, COWAT, TOMM, Rey 15, Lanthony d-15 Color Vision, and Vistech Contrast Sensitivity.

Increased medication use in a community environmentally exposed to chemicals.

An epidemiological health study compared the health status of residents of a town exposed to an accidental Catacarb chemical release from an adjacent oil refinery, with the health status of demographically similar residents of an unexposed town in the region. Few studies of Catacarb's effects on humans exist; however, animal studies have shown it to be a respiratory, gastro-intestinal, dermatological and visual irritant. As part of the study, health questionnaires assessing pre- and post exposure symptoms, illnesses and medication use were mailed to residents in both towns.