Neurobehavioral testing in monitoring hazardous workplace exposures

Abstract

Exposure to workplace toxins, particularly organic solvents, lead, and pesticides, has been shown to cause both transient and persistent derangements of CNS function. Neurobehavioral testing is described as a means of evaluating the health effects of exposure to toxic chemicals. The use of neurobehavioral testing is most appropriate where an exposure has been characterized and the diseases of interest specified. Most investigators use batteries of tests to evaluate psychomotor function, memory, verbal ability, mood, and visual/spatial abilities. Because of the shortcoming of the interviewer-administered test batteries, existing neurobehavioral tests have been adapted to a computer-administered format. This tool offers promise for future efforts to monitor CNS function in exposed workers.