title: Color vision impairments among shipyard workers exposed to mixed organic solvents, especially xylene.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated color vision impairment in workers exposed to organic solvents, especially xylene.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three groups of subjects, comprising 63 workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents, 122 non-exposed workers in the same industry, and 185 subjects from the general population as controls, were evaluated for color vision. Exposure to solvents was indirectly evaluated by measuring the concentration of a urinary metabolite. Color vision was assessed using the Lanthony Desaturated 15-hue (Lanthony D-15) panel.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Color confusion index (CCI) values in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the non-exposed workers or the general population, after adjustment for age and education, and significantly correlated with the concentration of methylhippuric acid. Color vision impairments were detected more frequently among the exposed group, and the most common types were type III and complex impairments. The rate of type III impairments was 9.52% in the exposed group, 1.64% in the non-exposed group, and 1.62% in the general population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results support the hypothesis that acquired color vision impairments could be induced by exposure to xylene. Testing for color vision impairment is a relatively simple, non-invasive and sensitive diagnostic method for relatively low-level exposures to xylene.
authors: Department of Visual Optics and Health Science, Graduate School of Health Science, Far East University, Eumsung, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
authors: Eun-Hee
authors: EH
authors: Lee
authors: Domyung
authors: D
authors: Paek
authors: Young Lim
authors: YL
authors: Kho
authors: Kyungho
authors: K
authors: Choi
authors: Hong Jae
authors: HJ
authors: Chae
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D055253:Color Vision / Q000187:drug effects; D003117:Color Vision Defects / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012767:Ships; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards; D014992:Xylenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents; D014992:Xylenes