Alterations in lung function due to mixtures of organic solvents used in floor laying

To determine the short-term and long-term effects of organic solvents on the respiratory tract, 26 male floorlayers exposed to organic solvents were compared with 36 persons unexposed to such substances. The investigation primarily included a detailed history, determination of solvent concentration in the air inhaled by the workers, long-term ECG during the entire shift and lung-function test (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, flow volume curve) as well as non-specific bronchial inhalation challenge using a 3% acetylcholine aerosol before and after the shift. The floorlayers were primarily subjected to inhalative exposure to adhesives containing mixtures of toluene, petroleum hydrocarbons, ethyl acetate, methanol and acetone or one of these substances alone. This frequently resulted in short-term value limit excesses, especially in the MAK value (standardised threshold concentration in Germany) for toluene, which is a prime component of neoprene glue. Of the 26 floorlayers, 6 complained of breathlessness and coughing, whereas 13 suffered from nasal discharge and blockage--symptoms closely related to work. The smokers in this group showed a decline in lung function during the shift--especially in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)--as compared with the non-smokers in this group and the persons in the control group. This probably due to the combination of noxious substances. A strong correlation between occupational age and changes in lung function was observed: the occupationally youngest workers demonstrated the highest decrease in values during the course of the shift. There was no evidence of either obstructive or restrictive respiratory disorders or of marked deviation from the European Community for Coal and Steel (ECCS) references.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)