The Link between Chemical Exposure and Hearing Loss
Recently, NIOSH researchers studied how many workers are exposed to chemicals that damage hearing and identified the industries and occupations with the most risk.
Chemicals that can damage hearing are called ototoxic chemicals. Ototoxic chemicals can cause hearing loss and/or make the ear more vulnerable to loud noise.
Researchers found that about 22 million workers are exposed to ototoxic chemicals each year, which is about 13% of civilian workers.
Examples of these chemicals include:
- Engine exhaust and lead
- Industrial cleaners and glues
- Organic cyanides and tin compounds
- Paints, lacquers, and thinners
Industries with the highest percentage of workers exposed to ototoxic chemicals are:
- Mining (49%)
- Combined Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (44%)
- Construction (30%)
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (29%)
- Transportation (24%)
- Manufacturing (24%)
Occupations with the highest percentage of workers exposed to ototoxic chemicals are:
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair (43%)
- Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (39%)
- Construction and Extraction (35%)
- Production (30%)
- Protective Service (26%)
- Transportation and Material Moving (23%)
NIOSH recommends that companies take the following steps to remove or decrease the exposure:
Eliminate the noise or change the process that requires the use of an ototoxic chemical. If that is not possible, substitute a quieter piece of equipment or use a non-toxic chemical.
Use engineering controls to block or enclose the noise source or increase ventilation.
Ensure all tools and equipment are well-oiled and maintained.
Adjust worker schedules to reduce the number of people exposed and how long they are exposed.
Make sure all workers correctly and consistently wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE could include hearing protection, long sleeves, gloves, aprons, eye protection, and respirators.
The authors note that combined exposure to chemicals and notes is even more harmful. Each year, about 12 million workers are exposed to both loud noise and ototoxic chemicals, which is about 7% of workers.