Acquired dyschromatopsia among styrene-exposed workers

J Occup Med. 1991 Jul;33(7):761-5.

Abstract

We investigated the occurrence of color vision loss in 75 styrene-exposed workers and in 60 referents. Color vision was evaluated by adopting the Lanthony D 15 desaturated panel, a test specifically suited to detect mild acquired dyschromatopsia. The results of the test were expressed as Color Confusion Index. Styrene exposure was evaluated with both environmental and biological monitoring. Airborne levels of the solvent were 3.2 to 549.5 mg/m3. In styrene-exposed workers color vision was significantly impaired when compared with referents matched for age. A significative correlation was found between environmental and urinary levels of styrene and Color Confusion Index excluding the influence of age in multiple regression analysis, indicating the possibility of a dose-effect relationship. The findings suggest that styrene can induce an early appearance of a dose-dependent color vision loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / adverse effects*
  • Color Perception Tests
  • Color Vision Defects / chemically induced*
  • Color Vision Defects / diagnosis
  • Color Vision Defects / urine
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Female
  • Glass*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / urine
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Risk Factors
  • Styrene
  • Styrenes / adverse effects*
  • Styrenes / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Styrenes
  • fiberglass
  • Styrene