Identification and assessment of work-related nervous system lesions.

Short historical data on occupational neurotoxicology, as well as on the pathogenic mechanisms of the nervous system impairments due to occupational factors are described. The main difficulties in the assessment of peripheral and central nervous system lesions are stressed.

[Early neuropsychological dysfunctions in workers exposed to benzene and its homologues].

Psychological examinations using five tests of interference and four tests of motoric reaction were carried out in a group of 28 men occupationally exposed to mixtures of benzene, toluene and xylene compounds. The examinations indicated diminished function of the cortical associative centre, excessive susceptibility to stimuli disturbing psychic processes slowing of the orientation ability and motor reaction time. Tests of habitual interference, reaction time to visual stimuli and Ricossay's test proved to be most useful in the detection of early psychic dysfunctions.

[Medical prevention of chronic occupational intoxications due to metallic mercury].

A group of workers exposed to elemental mercury was monitored over a period of 14 years (1983-1996) at the Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Sosnowiec. Mercury was used as a catalyst in the synthesis of acetic aldehyde and obtaining of chlorine. Every year medical examination was performed in the group of 163-277 persons.

[Prevention of vibration syndrome in selected occupational groups in the metallurgy industry].

Medical examinations were carried out in a group of 297 men exposed to hand-arm vibration in the metallurgical industry. The group consisted of 93 rammers, 77 grinders and 127 chippers. The level of vibration at workposts was also measured.

[Changes in the nervous system due to occupational metallic mercury poisoning].

At the Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, during 12 years, chronic mercury intoxication was diagnosed in 34 persons. There were male workers tending technological processes in which Hg was used as a catalyst (synthesis of acetic aldehyde and obtaining chlorine). The length of professional exposure was 13-34 years (mean 20.