Conversely exposure-related effects between atmospheric m-xylene concentrations and human body sense of balance

• Published in: Acta pharmacologica et toxicologica Vol. 57; no. 2; p. 67
• Main Authors: Savolainen, K, Riihimäki, V, Muona, O, Kekoni, J, Luukkonen, R, Laine, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark 01.08.1985
• Subjects: Adult; Air Pollutants - toxicity; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Male; Postural Balance - drug effects; Reaction Time - drug effects; Xylenes - blood; Xylenes - toxicity
• ISSN: 0001-6683
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0773.1985.tb00012.x

Effects of fixed and fluctuating concentrations of m-xylene in air were studied on human psychophysiological functions. Nine healthy male volunteers were exposed to m-xylene 4 hrs a day, 3 hrs in the morning and 1 hr in the afternoon, with a 40 min. break in between. The subjects were sedentary or exercised at 100 W for 10 min at the beginning of each session in the chamber. The m-xylene concentrations in the air were fixed (8.2 mumol/l; 870 mg/m3) or fluctuated with peaks (5.2-16.4 mumol/l; 550-1740 mg/m3) but the TWA (8 hrs) concentration of m-xylene was always 4.1 mumol/l (435 mg/m3). The two control days, with and without exercise, were similar to the exposure days, but without exposure. Reaction times were measured with a device in which subjects responded to visual and auditory stimuli. Body sway was measured with the subjects' eyes open and closed with a strain gauge transducer platform. Changes in reaction times did not correlate with m-xylene concentrations in the air. Changes of average and maximal body sway were, however, consistently negatively correlated with the intensity of the atmospheric exposure to m-xylene at the beginning of each session in the chamber. Physical exercise combined with exposure to m-xylene improved rather than impaired body sway.