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The author examined the effects of duration of residence, proximity to microchip plants, and being a party in litigation involving neurobehavioral functioning in individuals who had been chronically exposed to trichloroethylene-associated solvents from the environment. The author compared duration of exposure for the 236 residents, all of whom were located in 3 proximity zones in Phoenix, Arizona; some of the individuals had been in the process of solvent-related litigation for fewer than 10 yr, whereas some had been involved for more than 10 yr. The 236 residents were compared with 58 nonclaimants in 3 residential areas within the exposure zones. Neurobehavioral function testing was described in the study that appears prior to this study in this issue. Prior to comparisons, test scores were adjusted for age, sex, education level, and other significant factors. Individuals who had been exposed for fewer than 10 yr were not different from individuals who had been exposed for longer periods. Proximity to microchip plants produced no statistically significant effects. Among the 169 exposed subjects (i.e., exposure for 15 yr to trichloroethylene-associated solvents), of whom some were parties in lawsuits, those who lived in the near west area (Zone A) of Phoenix did not differ with respect to results of the 14 neurobehavioral tests that were administered. However, Zone B subjects, located to the north of the plant, differed with respect to 2 of the tests; and Zone C subjects, located beyond Zone A, Phoenix, differed with respect to 3 of the tests. In conclusion, duration of residence, proximity to microchip plants, and being a party to a lawsuit had no significant effects on neurobehavioral functioning, but, in this study, parties in the lawsuit were subjects who experienced more frequent symptoms.

Individuals who lived near 2 electronic manufacturing plants were exposed to odorous chlorinated solvents by inhalation (directly) and by out gassing from well water. An exposure zone was defined by concentrations of trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene, and vinyl chloride in groundwater. The author adopted trichloroethylene as a "shorthand" for the exposure designation. Residents complained of impaired recall and concentration, and of dizziness; therefore, the focus of this investigation was brain functions. Neurobehavioral functions, Profile of Mood States, frequencies of 35 symptoms, and questionnaire responses provided by 236 residents from exposure zones were compared with responses provided by 161 unexposed regional referents and by 67 Phoenix residents who lived outside the exposure zone areas. Pulmonary functions were measured with spirometry. Residents of the exposure zones were compared with regional referents, and the former had significantly (p < .05) delayed simple and choice reaction times, impaired balance, delayed blink reflex latency R-1, and abnormal color discrimination. In addition, these individuals had impaired (1) cognitive functions, (2) attention and perceptual motor speed, and (3) recall. Individuals who lived in exposure zones had airway obstructions. Adverse mood state scores and frequencies of 33 of 35 symptoms were elevated. In conclusion, individuals who lived in the exposure zones had neurobehavioral impairments, reduced pulmonary functions, elevated Profile of Mood State scores, and excessive symptom frequencies.