Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 1989;15(2):125-129    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.1878 | Issue date: Apr 1989

Neurological and electroneuromyographic assessment of the adverse effects of acrylamide on occupationally exposed workers.

by He FS, Zhang SL, Wang HL, Li G, Zhang ZM, Li FL, Dong XM, Hu FR

Seventy-one acrylamide workers and fifty-one unexposed referents were studied. Weak legs and numb hands and feet, preceded by skin peeling from the hands, were the early symptoms of the acrylamide workers; their early signs were impairment of vibration sensation in their toes and loss of ankle reflexes. Three cases had cerebellar involvement followed by polyneuropathy due to heavy exposure. Electroneuromyographic changes, including a decrease in the sensory action potential amplitude, neurogenic abnormalities in electromyography, and prolongation of the ankle tendon reflex latency, are of greater importance in the early detection of acrylamide neurotoxicity since they can precede the neuropathic symptoms and signs. The diagnostic criteria for occupational acrylamide intoxication of this study revealed three severe poisonings, six moderate poisonings, and 43 mild poisonings. The total prevalence of acrylamide poisoning was 73.2%. The prevention of dermal exposure to acrylamide should be emphasized.