Effect of Chronic and Subchronic Organic Solvents Exposure on Balance Control of Workers in Plant Manufacturing Adhesive Materials

High-level occupational exposure to volatile organic solvents may elicit neurotoxic effects, especially on central and peripheral structures involved in balance ability. Studies on balance control in relation with exposure levels close to the threshold limit values are scarce. This study aimed to assess the neurotoxic effects of chronic and subchronic exposure to organic solvents among workers in plant manufacturing adhesive materials. Balance control was evaluated in 18 subjects, mainly exposed to n-hexane and toluene, with current median exposure levels of 222 and 102 mg/m(3), respectively, and a median exposure duration of 21 years, and in 32 nonexposed controls, using posturography tests with and without sensory conflicting situations. Tests were undergone at the beginning of the work shift (chronic exposure) following a week end, and after 72 h (subchronic exposure). Balance control performance was lower in chronically exposed workers compared to controls, and got worse after subchronic exposure, particularly during situations, where vestibular information was important. Our study suggests that a low-level and prolonged exposure to volatile organic solvents, mainly n-hexane and toluene, in the workplace is associated with deleterious central effects involved in postural regulation. This neurotoxicity is characterized by difficulties to use the most relevant information to control balance, leading to altered management of sensory conflicting situations.