Abstract:
Objective To assess the neurobehavioral functions of workers engaged in coal-methanol production and potential impact factors.
Methods A total of 114 workers in the desulfurization pumping station of a coal-methanol plant were selected as the exposure group and 102 staff in the management department of the same plant as the control group. The levels of occupational hazards were determined on selected work sites. Profiles of mood state (POMS) and neurobehavioral functions of all participants were evaluated and analyzed according to the Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery recommended by the World Health Organization.
Results Twelve chemicals, including methanol, benzene, toluene, xylene and carbon monoxide, were detectable in the selected work sites, but all met the national occupational exposure standards. The standardized score of vigor-activity in the exposure group were statistically lower than that in the control group in POMS (P < 0.05). With regard to neurobehavioral functions, the slowest simple reaction time (SRTE) was significantly prolonged in the exposure group, compared to the control group. The standardized scores of manual dexterity of both predominant and non-predominant hands, backward digital span (DSP), and Benton visual retention (BVR) in the exposure group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion The working environment of coal-methanol could adversely affect workers' neurobehavioral functions, e.g. declines in reaction speed, movement speed, and memory.
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