Ss64-04 Charting the Evidence of Ototoxicity for Toxic Substances

Introduction Ototoxicity is an important public health concern. Few studies involve non-pharmacological substances. Auditory problems in workers exposed to toxic substances have been frequently documented. However, hearing is seldom measured in case-control exposure studies involving these substances. Methods The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) develops hundreds of toxicological profiles on substances frequently found in the environment, including volatile organic substances, pesticides, herbicides, metals, inorganic substances, and radionuclides. Each peer-reviewed profile reflects an extensive evaluation, summary, and interpretation of the available toxicological and epidemiological information. Although not presented as “ototoxicity” in the profiles, there are several signs and symptoms associated with “ototoxicity”, such as hearing loss, tonal alteration, and effects to the hair cells of the Organ of Corti. Similarly, association of exposure to chemical substances with vestibular effects such as dizziness, vertigo, visual problems, and headaches are non-specific making them hard to discern from other neurological causes. Study data on tinnitus are rarer still. While literature searches document tinnitus among the frequent complaints of populations exposed to toxic substances, dose-response studies are lacking for this reported affect. Discussion and Conclusion Here we systematically present the evidence of ototoxicity associations of several hazardous substances that people are exposed to, both in the environmental and in an occupational setting. Disclaimer The conclusions in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent the official position of the NIOSH, CDC and ATSDR.