Nasal symptoms and histopathology in a group of spray-painters

Industrial workers more and more frequently seek medical advice for nasal and sinus symptoms that they attribute to occupational exposure. The present study comprised 10 paint-sprayers exposed to solvents (primarily toluene and isobutylacetate) and dust. The working environment was checked by an industrial hygienist and a careful clinical examination including biopsies from the nasal mucosa was carried out. The results revealed prominent nasal symptoms in 3 patients and 4 suffered from cough. The histological examination showed in no case a normal nasal mucosa. The histological grading showed a significantly higher score in the exposed group compared to a matched control group. However, no conclusive connection between the duration of exposure and the clinical symptoms and morphological changes was possible to make, which will necessitate an extended study to evaluate the exact importance of the duration of exposure. The study indicates the possibilities of an early presymptomatic detection of nasal mucosal disturbances and arises the question whether the existing TLVs are adequate in preventing damage to the nasal mucosa and adherent clinical symptoms.