A Study of Cognitive Functions in DDT Sprayers

Abstract

To study the effects of occupational exposure to Dichlorodiphenyltri-chloroethane (DDT), 29 workers engaged in regular spraying of DDT were subjected to clinical evaluation, Bhatia battery performance test of intelligence, Wechsler memory scale and Bender visuomotor Gestalt test (BGT). DDT level in the sprayers was 8.5 times higher than the controls, suggesting heavy exposure. Visuomotor functions in the sprayers were significantly impaired and were suggestive of dominant frontoparietal lobe involvement. 55.5% sprayers with poor BGT performance had diffuse electroencephalographic (EEG) changes. BGT scores had a moderately significant relationship with DDT level in the sprayers. A possible role of DDT in the impairement of cognitive functions is suggested. © 1984, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. All rights reserved.