| Document ID (ISN) | 49913 |
| CIS number |
88-1278 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0007-1072 - British Journal of Industrial Medicine |
| Year |
1987 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Fidler A.T., Baker E.L., Letz R.E. |
| Title |
Neurobehavioural effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents among construction painters |
| Bibliographic information |
May 1987, Vol.44, No.5, p.292-308. Illus. 108 ref. |
| Abstract |
The relationship between exposure to mixed organic solvents and changes in central nervous system function was studied in 101 construction painters. Solvent exposure was estimated using questionnaire data. Adverse effects on the central nervous system were assessed by self-reported questionnaires and 8 tests of a computer-administered neurobehavioural evaluation system. The results were both biologically plausible and in agreement with other empirical evidence. A consistent positive association was observed between most measures of exposure and the occurrence of neurotoxic symptoms, notably dizziness, nausea, fatigue, problems with arm strength, and feelings of getting "high" from chemicals at work. Associations with exposure were found with the neurobehavioural evaluation system tests of symbol digit substitution and digit span; however, no consistent effect on neurobehavioural function was observed. This pattern of the occurrence of neurotoxic symptoms without clear evidence of function deficit is consistent with the type I toxic central nervous system disorder as classified by the World Health Organisation. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
functional nervous disorders; painting; neurological effects; construction industry; organic solvents |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
fatigue; epidemiologic study; questionnaire survey; exposure evaluation |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Construction industry
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Surface treatment
Diseases of the nervous system
Mental health
Construction industry and civil engineering
|
