Exposure to lead, mercury, styrene, and toluene and hearing impairment: evaluation of dose-response relationships, regulations, and controls

Abstract

The risk of hearing loss from exposure to ototoxic chemicals is not reflected in occupational exposure limits and most jurisdictions. The aims of this research were to investigate dose-response relationships between exposure to lead, mercury, toluene, and styrene and hearing impairment based on current epidemiological evidence, conduct cross-jurisdictional comparisons, and investigate control measures for exposure to ototoxic chemicals. Ovid Medline and Ovid Embase databases were used to find relevant publications. A total of 86 epidemiological studies met the eligibility criteria for final evaluation. When significant associations between exposure and outcome were identified, exposure levels were evaluated to determine whether No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) could be identified. Cross-jurisdictional comparisons included the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Australia occupational health and safety legislations. The majority of lead (75%), styrene (74%), and toluene (77%) studies showed significantly increased risks of hearing loss from exposure to these substances, although numerous studies on toluene (70%) and styrene (16%) compared auditory function between “solvent mixture” or “noise and solvent mixture” exposed groups and controls and not necessarily on groups exposed to a single agent. Based on five studies, blood lead ranges of 1–1.99 μg/dL to 2.148–2.822 μg/dL were identified as NOAELs while blood lead levels of 2 μg/dL up to 2.823–26.507 μg/dL were identified as LOAELs for hearing loss. Except for general duty clauses, the U.S., Canadian, and Australian jurisdictions have set no enforceable regulations specific to ototoxic chemical exposures. A biological exposure index of 2 μg/dL is recommended for prevention of hearing impairment from lead exposure. Based on Safe Work Australia, noise exposure limits may be reduced to 80 dB(A) for 8 hr. Other recommendations include performing audiometric testing and controlling exposure through all routes of entry.

Keywords:

• Biological exposure index
• blood lead level
• ototoxic chemicals
• pure tone audiometry

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Professor Michael Brauer, ScD, and Anya Keefe, Msc, for providing useful comments and constructive feedback on this research. The author has declared no financial support. The author has declared no conflicts of interest. Study data are available upon request from the corresponding author.