Function of peripheral nerves and signs of polyneuropathy in solvent-exposed workers at a Swedish steelworks

A field study was performed at a Swedish steelworks concerning symptoms and signs of polyneuropathy in 42 workers exposed to organic solvents at the plastic coating line of the plant. Examination was done clinically and by simple electrophysiological methods. The workers were exposed to a mixture of solvents, including methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and trichloroethyelen. Nosed to a mixture of solvents, including methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and trichloroethylene. None of the solvents used are known to cause peripheral neuropathy. At times very high vapour concentrations of solvents in the air were attained. The exposed workers were compared with at group of reference subjects sampled from other sections of the steelworks, matched for sex, age and duration of employment. Among the exposed workers one plausible and two suspected cases of polyneuropathy were found. None of the reference subjects showed signs of polyneuropathy. Statistical assessment provided some evidence, though weak, of a connection between the exposure to organic solvents and the observed abnormalities. A brief review is made of the present state of knowledge about hazards to the peripheral nervous system from the solvents in question.