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Neurotoxic effects of organic solvents in exposed workers: An occupational, neuropsychological, and neurological investigation
Author(s) -
Gregersen Per,
Angelsø Brita,
Nielsen Torben Elmo,
Nørgaard Bente,
Uldal Charlotte
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700050305
Subject(s) - medicine , toxic encephalopathy , encephalopathy , neuropsychology , occupational exposure , organic solvent , solvent exposure , epidemiology , alcohol consumption , occupational medicine , physiology , pediatrics , alcohol , psychiatry , environmental health , cognition , biochemistry , chemistry , chemical engineering , engineering
Ninety‐eight workers, 65 exposed to organic solvents and 33 unexposed, were examined in order to assess possible neurotoxic signs and symptoms related to solvent exposure. The study group, who were selected according to the type of exposure in a given work process, had been exposed to various types of solvents. The groups were comparable in regard to age, the history of brain traumas and other neurological diseases, and alcohol consumption. The exposed workers had more symptoms of intellectual impairment, poorer performances in psychological tests, and more often signs of cerebral asthenopia. Symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy were not significantly increased. Solvent exposure and neurotoxic signs and symptoms were mildly correlated in the study group. Such dose–effect correlations have previously been proved only in a few epidemiological studies. This warrants reevaluation of the risk of developing toxic encephalopathy during prolonged occupational exposure to solvents.