A multidisciplinary cross-sectional study on solvent-related health effects in painters compared with construction workers

Abstract

Currently employed painters differ from controls not exposed to solvents with respect to the frequency of certain symptoms in mood and behaviour. These symptoms are related to life-long solvent exposure rather than to current exposure. At present, the issue of time course and reversibility or irreversibility of these symptoms cannot be answered. The predictive value for subsequent neuropsychiatric morbidity remains to be elucidated in follow-up studies.

Vibrotactile threshold measurement for detecting peripheral neuropathy: defining variability and a normal range for clinical and research use

“…Peripheral neuropathy occurs as a complication of diabetes, a component of several common and many rare diseases, and also as an adverse health outcome from exposure to various chemical substances or physical factors in the workplace [1][2][3]. The population prevalence of peripheral neuropathy has been reported to be approximately 2.4%, rising with age to 8% [4].…”

“…Our aims were: (1) to assess the intra-individual variability of VPTs within each site and across sites, comparing right and left sides for bilateral upper and lower limb sites tested; (2) to compare variability between upper and lower limbs; and (3) to assess whether variability in VPT changes with sex and advancing age.…”

Pilot Study on Prevalence of Color Vision Dysfunction in Long-Term Solvent-Exposed Painters.

“…The subjects were a random subsample of a study population of 440 painters who were examined to explore neurotoxic effects of a chronic solvent exposure mainly to the central nervous system 6) . Participation was voluntary and informed consent was obtained for all examination procedures.…”

“…General and occupational history, including alcohol consumption and smoking habits, were obtained using standardized questionnaires. Details of selection and methods see elsewhere 6,7) . Time and personal constrains did not allow to study the color vision of all participants.…”

“…The occupational history of each painter was assessed with a standardized questionnaire on items such as type of paints and lacquers used, frequency of use, application techniques and workplace conditions. The questions were answered separately for the past 12 months and for the period before this date 6) . Solvent exposure was measured by personal air monitoring at typical workplaces.…”