Sleep disturbances and neurotoxicity in workers exposed to hydrocarbons. An observational study from Algeria.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to solvents may lead to neurotoxicity and sleep disturbances. We aimed to investigate the association of occupational exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons with neurotoxicity and sleep disturbance symptoms. METHODS: We included male workers handling/distributing petroleum products (exposed, n = 250) and electricians (non-exposed, n = 250) from two companies in Tlemcen (Algeria). Neurotoxicity was evaluated with the Q-16 questionnaire, and sleep disturbances with the Epworth and the Berlin questionnaires. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variances were applied obtaining risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of reported neurotoxicity and sleep disturbance symptoms was higher in exposed than in non-exposed workers. Significant adjusted associations were observed for neurotoxicity, snoring, and excessive sleepiness (RR = 2.2, CI: 1.7-2.8; RR = 1.4; CI: 1.1-1.7; RR = 1.3, CI: 1.2-1.5, respectively). No significant associations were observed with the Epworth score. CONCLUSIONS: Our questionnaire-based cross-sectional study suggests that exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons is associated with self-reported sleep disturbances and neurotoxicity symptoms.

Occupational exposure to petroleum products and respiratory health: a cross-sectional study from Algeria.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible impact of long-term occupational exposure to hydrocarbons on respiratory health. METHODS: Respiratory health was assessed by questionnaires, spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide in 250 male workers from a company handling and distributing refined petroleum products (exposed) and 250 electricians (controls). Exposure to hydrocarbons was assessed by personal air monitoring. RESULTS: Aerial exposure to hydrocarbons was low. Respiratory and nasal symptoms were significantly more frequent among exposed subjects than among controls. Although forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second did not differ, ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity and maximal expiratory flows were significantly lower in exposed than in control subjects, adjusting for smoking. Exhaled nitric oxide was significantly higher among exposed subjects (30.1 ppb) than among controls (21.6 ppb), adjusting for age and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Even low exposure to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons is associated with more respiratory and nasal symptoms, lower pulmonary function, and airway inflammation.