Psycho-Toxicology Solvents are known to reduce peripheral and central nervous functions. Such effects can undermine health and safety at work. Actual research deals with natural solvents and the development of sensitive tests to measure the level of cerebral performance. Virtual Reality Assessment of the relationship between strain and stress at work by means of rating single sub-tasks, is of limited use. Valid rating of the strain - stress connection requires a simultaneous consideration of all impact factors.
Field studies are the actual method of choice for a valid rating of the strain - stress relation.
The impossibility to control all impact factors is an important drawback of field studies. By using virtual reality techniques, work place conditions can be simulated, and the involved factors can be taken into account simultaneously and under controlled conditions. Applicability of this method is investigated to vision related work places such as office work or driving. Breathing patterns and annoyance reaction Breathing is a fascinating process which is not only automatically regulated but may be altered voluntarely. Furthermore breathing is related to emotions and mental efforts.