Neurotoxic effects of controlled exposure to a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6832031

Otto, D A; Molhave, L; Hudnell, H K; Goldstein, G; O'Neil, J

Subjective reactions of discomfort, impaired air quality, irritation of mucosal membranes, and impaired memory have been reported in chemically sensitive subjects during exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in new buildings. 66 normal healthy male subjects aged 18-39 were exposed for 2.75 hrs to a complex VOC mixture at O and 25 mg/cu m. Each subject completed control and exposure sessions at one week intervals in counterbalanced order. Measurements included comfort ratings of eye, nose and throat irritation, symptom questionnaire and computerized behavioral tests. Subjects found the odor of VOCs unpleasant and strong and reported that VOC exposure degraded air quality, increased headache and produced general discomfort. VOC exposure did not affect performance on any behavioral tests. Results indicate that subjective reactions to VOCs are not limited to chemically sensitive individuals since the study population is a subgroup that is probably least likely to be affected by chemical exposure.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA). Health Effects Research Lab.
• OSTI ID: 6832031
• Report Number(s): PB-90-186438/XAB; EPA--600/1-90/001
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
BEHAVIOR
BODY
BODY AREAS
BUILDINGS
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
EYES
FACE
HAZARDS
HEAD
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MAMMALS
MAN
MATTER
NOSE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PHARYNX
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
PROGRESS REPORT
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SENSE ORGANS
SENSITIVITY
SYMPTOMS
VERTEBRATES
VOLATILE MATTER