46
Views
68
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Neurobehavioral Dysfunction in Firemen Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Possible Improvement after Detoxification

, &
Pages 345-350 | Accepted 14 May 1989, Published online: 03 Aug 2010
 

Abstract

Fourteen firemen exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their byproducts generated in a transformer fire and explosion had neurophysiological and neuropsychological tests 6 mo after the fire. They were re-studied 6 wk later after undergoing 2–3 wk of an experimental detoxification program consisting of medically supervised diet, exercise, and sauna. A case-control comparison with firemen matched from the same department, but who did not participate in controlling the transformer fire, had shown significant impairment of memory for stories, visual images, and digits backwards. Cognitive function was impaired for block design, identifying embedded figures, and design association and recognition using Culture Fair. Making of trails and choice reaction time, which measured cognitive function and perceptual motor speed, were also impaired. These signs of protracted neurobehavioral impairment were attributed to PCBs and heat-produced byproducts. No relationship, however, was found between the firemen's serum or fat levels of PCBs as Arochlor 1248 and their type or degree of neurobehavioral impairment. Re-testing following the detoxification program showed significantly improved scores on: three memory tests, block design, trails B, and embedded figures. Thus, there was significant reversibility of impairment after the detoxification interval. However self-appraisal scores for depression, anger, and fatigue—which were initially elevated—and for vigor—which was reduced—did not change across this interval.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.