Solvent-related health effects among construction painters with decreasing exposure.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of solvent-related symptoms among construction painters is unclear due to their declining exposure.


METHODS
A questionnaire study was conducted on 1000 male Finnish construction painters and 1000 carpenters. Symptom questions were combined with exposure parameters, medical history, and health behavior.


RESULTS
Highly significant associations were found between cumulative intensity of long-term solvent exposure (CE-LT) and symptoms of memory and concentration, and mood. CE-LT was a better measure of solvent exposure than the number of years as a painter. Exposure was also associated with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, hypertension and arrhythmia. Recent exposure in the 1990s had no major effect on symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The results strengthen the dose-response relationship of exposure and long-term neurotoxic effects. No clear association was found between recent exposure and symptoms. Cardiovascular effects in solvent-exposed construction painters is further suggested.
Kaukiainen
Ari
A
Department of Occupational Medicine, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. ari.kaukiainen@ttl.fi
Riala
Riitta
R
Martikainen
Rami
R
Akila
Ritva
R
Reijula
Kari
K
Sainio
Markku
M
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003252:Construction Materials; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010150:Paint / Q000633:toxicity*; D011336:Probability; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012997:Solvents / Q000633:toxicity*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D012997:Solvents