Nerve conduction, visual evoked responses and electroretinography in tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide containing grouting agents

Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2008 May-Jun;30(3):186-94. doi: 10.1016/j.ntt.2008.01.006. Epub 2008 Feb 7.

Abstract

The study examines possible persisting effects on the peripheral nervous system and visual system in tunnel workers previously exposed to acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide during grouting work. We compared neurophysiological function in 44 tunnel workers previously exposed during grouting operations (2-10 years post exposure), with 49 tunnel workers with no history of exposure to acrylamide. Nerve conduction velocities (NCV), distal delay, F-response and amplitude in median and ulnar nerves of the right arm, peroneal, sural and tibial nerves of the right leg, visual evoked response (VER) and electroretinography (ERG) were measured. VER and ERG were also performed in 24 subjects more recently exposed to acrylamide grout (16 months post exposure). Exposure to acrylamide containing grouts was assessed by questionnaires. A statistically significant reduction in the mean sensory NCV of the sural nerve (p=0.005), as well as a non-significant reduction of sural amplitude was found in the previously exposed group compared to the control group. VER latencies to the onset of the occipital potential (N75) were prolonged in both exposed groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). ERG 30 Hz flicker amplitude was reduced in the recently exposed group compared to the referents (p<0.05). The results indicate slight subclinical, but persistent toxic effects in the sural nerve and the visual system in tunnel workers exposed to N-methylolacrylamide and acrylamide during grouting operations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylamide / toxicity*
  • Acrylamides / toxicity*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Construction Materials / toxicity*
  • Electroencephalography / drug effects
  • Electroretinography / drug effects*
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / drug effects*
  • Norway / epidemiology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Regression Analysis

Substances

  • Acrylamides
  • Acrylamide
  • N-methylolacrylamide