应用心理测验评估轻度甲苯中毒者的脑功能状态

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF BRAIN FUNCTION SUBSEQUENT TO EXPOSURE TO LOW LEVEL OF TOLUENE

以２９名轻度甲苯中毒的工人和２９名作为控制组的工人，就一些神经心理测验上的作业水平，进行了比较。此两组工人工作场所的空气，以８小时的ＴＷＡ计算，所得甲苯含量分别为８８．０ｐｐｍ和１３．５ｐｐｍ。所实施的心理测验包括数字广度、ＷＭＳ视觉记忆测验、本顿视觉保持测验、连线测验、符号数字、栓子安插和手指敲击测验。结果发现，轻度甲苯中毒的工人，无论在语文或非语文的短时记忆、注意力或集中力、知觉运动或手巧等方面的作业水平，都比不上控制组，显示轻度甲苯中毒组之脑功能已受损害。该研究亦进一步表明了轻度毒害性化学溶剂所导致的脑功能损害，可通过简便的心理测验予以相当准确的测查。

This study compared the neuropsychological performance of a group of 29 workers occupationally exposed to low level of toluene(8 hours TWA=88.0 ppm)with a control group(N=29)not exposed to toluene(8 hours TWA=13.5ppm).The psychological tests consisted of Digit Span,Visual Reproduction of WMS,Benton Visual Retention Test,Trail-Making Test,Symbol-Digit Modality Test,Grooved Pegboard Test,and Finger Tapping Test.Results of the study showed that the performance of the exposed workers were poorer than the control subjects in verbal and nonverbal short term memory,attention and concentration,perceptual-motor function,and finger dexterity.These findings suggested that the brain functions of the exposed workers were significantly deteriorated. The findings also confirmed the usefulness of psychological tests in the detection of neurotoxic effects of occupational exposure to low level of toluene.