TY - JOUR T1 - Exposure to white spirit. II. Psychological functions. JO - Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PY - 1975/3VL - 1 IS - 1 SP - 31 EP - 39 AU - Gamberale, Francesco AU - Annwall, Görell AU - Hultengren, May M3 - doi: 10.5271/sjweh.2863 UR - https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=2863 KW - experimental psychology KW - exposure KW - psychological function KW - white spirit N2 -

The effect of the solvent white spirit on psychological functions, such as perceptual speed, reaction time, short-term memory, numerical ability, and manual dexterity, was studied in two separate series of experiments employing 14 and 8 healthy male students, respectively. Each subject was tested repeatedly in each series in exposure to 625, 1,250, 1,875 and 2,500 mg/m3 of white spirit in inspiratory air and under control conditions with exposure to pure air. In another experimental series each subject was tested during exposure to 4,000 mg/m3 of white spirit and under control conditions. Alveolar air samples were taken every fifth minute. No effect on examined functions was observed in the first experimental series. However, a prolonged reaction time and a probably impaired short-term memory was observed in subjects exposed to 4,000 mg/m3. At this concentration of white spirit in inspiratory air an alveolar air concentration was obtaine which corresponded to values obtained in exposure to 2,500 mg/m3 during light exercise.

SN - 0355-3140 ER -