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Longitudinal study to explore chronic neuropsychologic effects on solvent exposed workers.

Andreas Ihrig1, Michael C Dietz, Michael Bader

  • 1Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Hospitalstrasse 1, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.

Industrial Health
|August 17, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Chronic solvent exposure may lead to increased subjective complaints and reduced concentration. This study found no immediate neurotoxic effects but noted long-term impacts on cognitive function in workers.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Neurotoxicology
  • Environmental Medicine

Background:

  • Workplace exposure to solvent mixtures is common in industries like spray painting and printing.
  • Assessing potential neurotoxic effects of chronic solvent exposure on the central nervous system (CNS) is crucial for worker health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neurotoxic effects of chronic solvent exposure on the CNS in 127 workers.
  • To evaluate the relationship between solvent exposure levels and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted physical examinations and neuropsychological testing on 127 workers exposed to solvent mixtures.
  • Utilized biological and air monitoring to quantify solvent exposure (e.g., white spirits, toluene, xylenes).
  • Followed up participants over a 2-year interval and analyzed historical exposure data.

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Main Results:

  • Solvent concentrations, primarily white spirits, were measured up to 127 ppm in air and 2,666 microg/l in blood.
  • No significant associations were found between current solvent exposure levels and neuropsychological test results during the 2-year study period.
  • However, analysis of entire work histories revealed significant declines in information processing speed and trailmaking test performance, along with increased subjective complaints, in workers with higher past solvent exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic solvent exposure is associated with a slight increase in subjective complaints.
  • Deterioration in concentration power appears linked to long-term solvent exposure.
  • While immediate neurotoxic effects were not evident, historical exposure may impact cognitive functions.