Health effects associated with sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide exposure among structural fumigation workers

Objectives. This study assessed the health effects associated with occupati onal exposure to methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride among structural fumi gation workers. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 123 structural fumigation workers and 1 20 referents in south Florida was conducted. Nerve conduction, vibration, n eurobehavioral, visual, olf factory and renal function testing was included . Results. The median lifetime duration of methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluori de exposure among workers was 1.20 years and 2.85 years, respectively. Sulf uryl fluoride exposure over the year preceding examination was associated w ith significantly reduced performance on die Pattern Memory Test and on olf actory testing. In addition, fumigation workers had significantly reduced p erformance on the Santa Ana Dexterity Test of the dominant hand and ii nons ignificantly higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome than did the refer ents. Conclusions. Occupational sulfuryl fluoride exposure may be associated. wit h subclinical effects on the central nervous system, including effects on o lfactory and some cognitive functions. However, no widespread pattern Or co gnitive deficits was observed, The peripheral nerve effects were likely cau sed by ergonomic stresses experienced by the fumigation workers.