Effect of volatile organic compounds exposure and hot ambient temperature on neurological and respiratory functions among male painters

Abstract

Construction is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide because industrialization demands on infrastructure In India workers in these unorganized sectors are prone for occupational diseases Construction painters are at risk of exposure to volatile organic compounds VOCs from paints and high temperature The current cross sectional study aimed to assess the effect of hot ambient temperature and VOCs on neurological and respiratory functions among male construction painters Exposure questionnaires along with personal exposure monitors were used to assess the cumulative VOC exposures of 135 construction painters Workplace temperature was measured Neurological and respiratory functioning were assessed utilizing a study questionnaire neurocognitive tests heart rate variability HRV and peak expiratory flow meter VOC concentration exceeded threshold limits Exposure to VOCs significantly altered neurocognition Digit Span Forward DSF 4 point 47 plus or minus 1 point 02 Digit Span Backward DSB 2 point 91 plus or minus 0 point 75 auditory ART 216 point 31 plus or minus 53 point 28 ms and visual VRT 251 point 06 plus or minus 53 point 14 ms reaction time and autonomic nervous function LF HF 1 point 75 plus or minus 0 point 75 Increased exposure years showed significant reductions in neurological DSF 4 point 3 plus or minus 0 point 88 vs 5 point 04 plus or minus 1 point 3 ART 258 point 8 plus or minus 60 point 2 vs 238 point 5 plus or minus 36 point 6 LF HF 1 point 97 plus or minus 0 point 2 vs 1 point 47 plus or minus 0 point 2 and respiratory PEFR 471 point 74 plus or minus 64 point 65 vs 490 point 55 plus or minus 66 point 4 Liters per minute functions High ambient temperature increased motor coordination but lowered cognition Beside painters showed lower neurocognition in summer Painters with over 10 years of experience showed bilateral reduction in sensory nerve conduction velocities with minimal motor involvement Exposure to VOCs and high temperature affects neurological and respiratory functions of painters