Vestibulo-Oculomotor Disturbances in Humans Exposed to Styrene

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Abstract
Several reports indicate that disturbances of the vestibulo-oculomotor ability are a manifestation of the toxic action on the CNS exerted by some industrial solvents. The vestibulo-oculomotor system was examined during exposure to styrene, which is extensively used in the production of plastics was examined. Healthy volunteers were exposed to styrene for 1 h. Rotatory and optokinetic nystagmus, visual suppression as well as speed, latency and accuracy of saccades were tested before, during and 1 h after exposure. The pulmonary uptake and the blood level of the solvent were continuously analyzed by gas chromatography. The styrene blood concentration was equivalent to that which may well be reached after several hours of hard work in an industrial environment with a concentration of styrene within permittted limits. No spontaneous nystagmus appeared. The rotatory and optokinetic nystagmus was not influenced by styrene. The speed of the saccade was significantly enhanced. The visual suppression was disturbed, as shown by an increased gain after styrene exposure. Styrene given to healthy test persons induced disturbances, consistent with the theory that some organic solvents blocked the cerebellar inhibition of the vestibulo-oculomotor system.