The weight of evidence approach in the assessment of hearing impairment induced by noise and ototoxic chemicals

摘要

There is increasing epidemiological evidence that exposure to some solvents, metals, asphyxiants and other substances is associated in humans with a risk of hearing loss (Miller 1985; Ryback 1992; Morata et al. 1994; Johnson & Nylen 1995; Franks & Morata 1996; Cary et al. 1997; Campo 2004; Fechter 2004; Campo et al. 2009; Johnson & Morata 2010). Data from animal studies suggest ototoxicity of some substances at relatively high concentrations. However, detailed exposure-effect relationships have not yet been identified. Therefore it is difficult to draw any conclusion regarding the effects that might or might not be observed at concentrations relevant for the occupational setting (Cary et al. 1997; Prasher 2002). This project was undertaken 1) to assess the available data on ototoxicity of chemical substances and consider their relevance to the occupational setting and 2) to organize this information into a structured database indicating potential ototoxicity of industrial chemicals alone or in combination with noise exposure.