NEUROTOXICITY AND BEHAVIOR ABNORMALITIES IN A COHORT CHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO TRICHLOROETHYLENE

Bernad PG. Newell S, Spyker DA. Department of Neurology, George Washington University and Neurology Services, Inc.; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

We examined 22 of a 28 persons cohort living in a Michigan town and exposed for 5-20 years to low levels of trichloroethelyne (TCE) via their well water (8-14 ppm). All patients completed a standard neurotoxicity questionaire, exam by a neurologist, and a computer controlled current perception threashold (CPT) measurement. CPT showed hyperesthesia in 21 of 22 patients tested.

For the 10 adults prevelent neurologic symptoms included fatigue, somnolence, lack of energy, numbness and tingling in 10/10, headache and dizziness in 8/10, and tremor in 4/10. Half (5/10) had been diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome and/or carpal tunnel syndrome (3 operated on), Bells palsy in 1/10, and 3/10 were also evaluated for cardiac arrhythmias.

Among the 12 children, 9 had major behavioral difficulties including poor learning (repeating grades), aggressive behavior, and poor attention span. One child was born with multiple congenital abnormalities.

We were impressed with abnormalities on standard tests but even more with general lack of well being in this group. These findings suggest low level chronic exposure to this ubiquitous solvent may pose a significant health risk and merit further study.

- Sept-Oct 1987 AACT/AAPCC/ABMT/CAPCC Annual Scientific Meeting Article 83

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