EFFECTS OF COMBINED EXPOSURE TO NOISE AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES-CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

摘要

A number of studies have been conducted in recent years investigating the potential effects on various health endpoints of the combination of noise and a variety of different industrial substances. This review indicates that the information available in both animals and humans on this subject is limited particularly with respect to assessing occupational risk. Most studies have focused on auditory effects in animals, although investigations have been performed for other toxicological endpoints. For some substances, notably toluene, the information from animals studies does suggest an interaction but these were performed only at exposure levels to both noise and chemicals which were each individually ototoxic.