Longitudinal study to explore chronic neuropsychologic effects on solvent exposed workers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine possible neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) in relation to a chronic solvent exposure at the workplace. Method: The collective included 127 workers exposed to solvent mixtures, such as spray painters and printers. They were examined twice by means of a physical examination, neuropsychological testbattery, biological and air monitoring. Results: Major component of the solvents were white spirits in concentrations up to 127 ppm in air and 2,666 μg/l in blood. Single substances were mainly toluene and xylenes in concentrations below current threshold values at the workplace. During the 2 yr interval, the concentrations of solvents decreased, and no significant associations between the neuropsychological tests and the solvent exposure were found. Regarding the whole working history of each participant, we found a significant reduction on information processing velocity and performance in the trailmaking test, as well as more complaints of workers with higher solvent exposure in the past. Conclusions: A slight increase of subjective complaints and a deteriorated power of concentration seems to be associated with chronic solvent exposure.