title: Longitudinal study to explore chronic neuropsychologic effects on solvent exposed workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to examine possible neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) in relation to a chronic solvent exposure at the workplace.
  
  
  METHODS
  The collective included 127 workers exposed to solvent mixtures, such as spray painters and printers. They were examined twice by means of a physical examination, neuropsychological testbattery, biological and air monitoring.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Major component of the solvents were white spirits in concentrations up to 127 ppm in air and 2,666 microg/l in blood. Single substances were mainly toluene and xylenes in concentrations below current threshold values at the workplace. During the 2 yr interval, the concentrations of solvents decreased, and no significant associations between the neuropsychological tests and the solvent exposure were found. Regarding the whole working history of each participant, we found a significant reduction on information processing velocity and performance in the trailmaking test, as well as more complaints of workers with higher solvent exposure in the past.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A slight increase of subjective complaints and a deteriorated power of concentration seems to be associated with chronic solvent exposure.
authors.affiliation: Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Hospitalstrasse 1, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ihrig
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bader
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Triebig
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012997:Solvents / Q000506:poisoning*
chemical_list: D009498:Neurotoxins; D012997:Solvents