Detection of hand tremor in workers exposed to mercury vapor: A comparative study of three methods

Neuropsychological effects associated with exposure to mercury vapor among former chloralkali workers

“…Several studies have reported neurobehavioral effects related to motor and cognitive functions (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) in humans during ongoing exposure to mercury vapors. Contrary to the large number of studies on currently exposed workers, few epidemiologic studies have focused on the long-term effects on workers who are no longer exposed.…”

“…Neurobehavioral effects of occupational exposure have been described as falling into the 3 major groups of alterations in emotional state, effects on cognitive functions, and effects on motor functions (1,2). Ongoing exposure to lower concentrations of mercury vapors has been associated with increased hand or finger tremor, subclinical changes in coordination, neuromuscular functions, and deficits in memory and attention (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). Magos (21) suggested that it may be a mistake to relate defects to exposure estimates valid at a time when the possibility of higher exposure in the past cannot be excluded.…”

HETA 98-0320-2751, Mercury Waste Solutions, Inc., Union Grove, Wisconsin.

“…Previous studies that have measured tremor in Hg-exposed workers contain results that are often contradictory. 29,30,31,32 The studies differed in the instruments used to measure the tremors, the anatomical location of the recordings, tasks executed by the participants, and the nature of the Hg exposure. The diversity of methods contributes to the discrepancies in results and limits our understanding of the effect of chronic Hg exposure on the neuromotor system.…”

Epidemiological surveillance of employees in a mercury thermometer plant: An occupational health study

“…Nervous system and kidney HgU of > 500 µg/L in the previous year Langolf et al [17] Nervous system -Impaired performance on visual memory tasks HgU peaks > 100 µg/L Forzi et al [18] Nervous system-Abnormal reflexes, decreased coordination HgU > 600 µg/L Albers et al [19] Postural and intention tremors HgU mean of 63 µg/L Roels et al [20] Kidneys (Excretion of high and low molecular weight proteins) Biological permissible limit of 200 µg/L Schaller et al [21] Kidneys (Glomerular type proteinuria) HgU > 50 µg/g creatinine Berode et al [22] Buchet et al [23] Impaired performance in memory tasks Group means HgU 56 µg/L. Piikivi et al [24] CNS and Kidneys HgU > 50 µg/g creatinine Roels et al [25] whose HgU had exceeded 500 µg/L in the previous year.…”