Dynamic Posturography Findings in Workers Exposed to Toluene

Abstract

Background Exposure to volatile organic solvents as toluene, in the workplace, is associated with deleterious effects involved in postural regulation. Objectives: The aim of this study is to detect the disturbances of the vestibular system due to exposure to toluene using dynamic posturography, putting a hypothesis to use dynamic posturography as a possible tool to identify the effects on balance among workers exposed to toluene. Subjects and methods: the study was performed on 30 workers exposed to toluene and 30 workers non exposed (control). History, dynamic posturography (the central integration of the vestibular, visual, and somatosensory inflow is evaluated using sensoriorganization test (SOT)) and hippuric acid measurement in urine were performed to both groups. Results: hippuric acid levels in urine were statistically significant higher among exposed workers when compared to the control. Dynamic posturography results were statistically significant lower in the exposed group in conditions SOT 3 (p=0.015), SOT 4 (p=0.014), SOT 5, (p=0.001) SOT 6 (p= 0.000) and CS (P =0.000) when compared to control group. A statistically significant negative correlation between urinary hippuric acid and dynamic posturography. There were significant negative correlation between duration of exposure to toluene and dynamic posturography. Conclusion: Exposure to toluene affects vestibular system so dynamic posturography is useful in balance assessment in workers exposed to toluene.