Search

The screening of the nervous system function in 42 workers of copper rolled wire [correction of valzdrat] production and in 34 workers of aluminium rolled wire [correction of valzdrat] production was performed in 1992 and 1993 too; 52 healthy military men were investigated as control group. Target neurological anamnesis, internal and detailed neurological status were carried out. Symptoms of radiculopathy, neurasthenic syndrome and signs of generalized neurovegative dystonia were established in both studies--1992 and 1993. It is suggested that an further detailed investigation (including psychometric tests) is needed to verify of refute the neurotoxic effect of copper and aluminium.

Examinations were performed on the nervous system (directed anamnesis, neurological and vegetative status) of workers from enterprises for economic melioration and erosion control. The following was established: presence of vegetative vascular disturbances in the upper extremities, radicular syndromes, neurosis-like [correction of neurosimilar] syndrome, with higher frequency at the exposure of vibrations in comparison to nonexposed workers; in conditions of vibrations and noise above the norms work persons, with organic disturbances of the nervous system, which certifies for the nonobservance of the medical contraindications and for necessity of special control on these workers.

The subject of study are agricultural workers applying organophosphorus and other pesticides in an area with intensive agriculture and a control group from the same area having no professional contact with pesticides. The studies include: personal and professional anamnesis, a battery of neurobehavioral tests, electroneuromyography, evoked potentials, neurological status, internal status, hematological tests, liver enzymes, variability of the heart rhythm. The level of the exposure is assessed by: measuring the concentration of PhO compounds in the air of the work environment and deposit on the skin. The biological monitoring is carried out by measuring the level of the cholinesterase activity in serum and erythrocytes, neuropathy target esterase in lymphocytes and alkylphosphates in urine. The tests are performed before and after the active season of spraying. The results from the studies show that at continuous exposure to low concentrations of organophosphorus compounds, applicated in agriculture, no significant health disorders occur. Specific deviations are observed after the season of spraying in the neuro-behavioural tests as increasing the number of incorrectly put dots in the Aiming test, the time of reaction and evoked potentials. The interpretation of the results is impeded because of the large number of interfering factors and considerable quantity of alcohol.