Comparing the Effect of Different Permissible Exposure Limits on Hearing Threshold Levels above 25 dBA over Six Months

Organic solvents can cause hearing loss themselves or promote noise-induced hearing loss. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to trichloroethylene on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the Quebec permissible exposure limits: 50 ppm 8-h time-weighed average exposure value (TWAEV) and 200 ppm short-term exposure value (STEV). In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at the STEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of trichloroethylene-induced hearing losses in workers. In rats, trichloroethylene affects the auditory function mainly in the cochlear mid- to high-frequency range with a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 2000 ppm. No studies on ototoxic interaction after combined exposure to noise and trichloroethylene were identified in humans. In rats, supra-additive interaction was reported. Further studies with sufficient data on the trichloroethylene exposure of workers are necessary to make a definitive conclusion. In the interim, we recommend considering trichloroethylene as an ototoxic agent.

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Sailors and the Risk of Asbestos-Related Cancer

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168417 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8417

Author(s):

Richard Lemen ◽

Philip Landrigan

Keyword(s):

Premature Death ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Exposure Limits ◽

Related Disease ◽

Occupationally Exposed ◽

Amphibole Asbestos ◽

Permissible Exposure Limits ◽

Asbestos Related Disease ◽

Risk Of Exposure ◽

Shipyard Workers

Sailors have long been known to experience high rates of injury, disease, and premature death. Many studies have shown asbestos-related diseases among shipyard workers, but few have examined the epidemiology of asbestos-related disease and death among asbestos-exposed sailors serving on ships at sea. Chrysotile and amphibole asbestos were used extensively in ship construction for insulation, joiner bulkhead systems, pipe coverings, boilers, machinery parts, bulkhead panels, and many other uses, and asbestos-containing ships are still in service. Sailors are at high risk of exposure to shipboard asbestos, because unlike shipyard workers and other occupationally exposed groups, sailors both work and live at their worksite, making asbestos standards and permissible exposure limits (PELs). based on an 8-hour workday inadequate to protect their health elevated risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers have been observed among sailors through epidemiologic studies. We review these studies here.

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Current Hearing Threshold Levels for Noise-Exposed U.S. Air Force Personnel. One Year's Reportings

10.21236/ada064802 ◽

1978 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Harrell C. Sutherland ◽

Gasaway Jr. ◽

Donald C.

Keyword(s):

Air Force ◽

Hearing Threshold ◽

Threshold Levels

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KEEPING THE OSHA PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS CURRENT

AIHAJ ◽

10.1080/15298669091370121 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 51 (10) ◽

pp. A-679-A-686

Author(s):

Harry J. Ettinger

Keyword(s):

Exposure Limits ◽

Permissible Exposure Limits

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Hearing loss associated with weapons noise exposure: when to investigate an asymmetrical loss

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215100129950 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 109 (4) ◽

pp. 291-295 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

H. J. Cox ◽

G. R. Ford

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Hearing Threshold ◽

Routine Testing ◽

Threshold Levels ◽

Average Loss ◽

The Right ◽

Air Conduction ◽

Selection Of

AbstractThe air conduction thresholds in the right and left ears, and the interaural asymmetry of thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz were measured in a group of 225 soldiers exposed to a variety of weapon noise who were referred for assessment because of a deterioration in hearing on routine testing. At 0.5 and I kHz the threshold levels rarely exceeded 25 dB and the interaural asymmetry was 10 dB or less in 90 per cent of cases. The degree of hearing loss and interaural asymmetry increased as the frequency increased, with the average loss being significantly greater in the left ear at 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz.Recommendations are made for the selection of cases of asymmetrical hearing loss exposed to weapon noise which require further investigation to exclude a retrocochlear cause or to define spurious hearing threshold levels.

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