POSTURAL STABILITY ASSESSMENT IN SEWER WORKERS

In this study, postural stability was measured with a microcomputer-ba sed force platform as an indirect assessment of central nervous system effect in 28 sewer workers (age range 23.4 to 64.5 years, standard de viation of 8.7 years). All workers performed four 30-second postural s way tests. The organic-solvent exposure was measured by a photoionizat ion detector: The photo-ionization detector was calibrated to measure volatile organic solvents in total benzene equivalence, and concentrat ions were measured in various parts of the plant. The mean exposure wa s .32 parts per million (ppm) benzene equivalent (range of .02 to .95 ppm, standard deviation .19 ppm). Based on a covariate adjusted linear multiple-regression model, a statistically significant (p < .05) posi tive correlation was demonstrated between postural sway and organic-so lvent exposure. These workers also had increased postural sway compare d with a nonexposed population. The statistically significant correlat ion between postural sway determinations and organic-solvent exposure was surprising given the very low exposures measured. It is possible t hat the organic-solvent exposure might not be the causative agent, but rather that the solvents themselves correlate with some other causati ve exposure, ie, total volatile organics as implicated in the cause of sick-building syndrome.