Effects on neurobehavioral performance of chronic exposure to chemically contaminated well water. 1993

K H Kilburn, and R H Warshaw
University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Environmental Sciences Laboratory, Los Angeles 90033.

Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and other solvents impairs neurobehavioral performance. Use of well water contaminated with TCE and solvents has been associated with excessive symptoms, cancers, birth defects and impaired blink reflex. We extended these observations by measuring the neurophysiological (NPH) and neuropsychological (NPS) status of subjects who used water contaminated with 6 to 500 ppb of TCE for 1 to 25 years. The 170 well-water exposed subjects who resided in southwest Tucson, Arizona overlying the Santa Cruz River aquifer, were compared to 68 referent subjects for NPH and NPS tests. Also, 113 histology technicians (HT) were referents for blink reflex latency only. Affective status was assayed by a Profile of Mood States (POMS). Exposed subjects were statistically significantly impaired when compared to referents for NPH tests. These impairments included sway speed with eyes open and closed, blink reflex latency (R-1), eye closure speed, and two choice visual reaction time. NPS status was statistically significant impaired for Culture Fair (intelligence) scores, recall of stories, visual recall, digit span, block design, recognition of fingertip numbers, grooved pegboard and Trail making A and B. POMS scores were elevated. Prolonged residential exposure to well-water containing TCE at lower levels than occupational exposures, but without time away from exposure for metabolism and excretion of toxins, was associated with neurobehavioral impairment.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009483 Neuropsychological Tests Tests designed to assess neurological function associated with certain behaviors. They are used in diagnosing brain dysfunction or damage and central nervous system disorders or injury. Aphasia Tests,Cognitive Test,Cognitive Testing,Cognitive Tests,Memory for Designs Test,Neuropsychological Testing,AX-CPT,Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome,CANTAB,Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery,Clock Test,Cognitive Function Scanner,Continuous Performance Task,Controlled Oral Word Association Test,Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System,Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment,Hooper Visual Organization Test,NEPSY,Neuropsychologic Tests,Neuropsychological Test,Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test,Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status,Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure,Symbol Digit Modalities Test,Test of Everyday Attention,Test, Neuropsychological,Tests, Neuropsychological,Tower of London Test,Neuropsychologic Test,Test, Cognitive,Testing, Cognitive,Testing, Neuropsychological,Tests, Cognitive
D001767 Blinking Brief closing of the eyelids by involuntary normal periodic closing, as a protective measure, or by voluntary action. Orbicularis Oculi Reflex,Reflex, Blink,Reflex, Corneal,Reflex, Orbicularis Oculi,Winking,Blink Reflexes,Corneal Reflexes,Orbicularis Oculi Reflexes,Blink Reflex,Reflexes, Blink,Reflexes, Orbicularis Oculi
D004856 Postural Balance A POSTURE in which an ideal body mass distribution is achieved. Postural balance provides the body carriage stability and conditions for normal functions in stationary position or in movement, such as sitting, standing, or walking. Postural Control,Posture Balance,Posture Control,Posture Equilibrium,Balance, Postural,Musculoskeletal Equilibrium,Postural Equilibrium,Balance, Posture,Control, Postural,Control, Posture,Equilibrium, Musculoskeletal,Equilibrium, Postural,Equilibrium, Posture,Postural Controls,Posture Balances,Posture Controls,Posture Equilibriums
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly

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