title: A study on neurobehavioral performance of workers occupationally exposed to solvent in synthetic resin manufacturing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One major effect of occupational solvent exposure is central nervous system (CNS) impairment, ranging from depression to encephalopathy with cognitive, behavioral changes. Exposures in industries being varied, classification of health outcomes for different exposures is important.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed neurobehavioral performance of synthetic resin manufacturing workers exposed to organic solvent, mainly formalin.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study selected subjects by random selection from all such workers of an Indian city. Questionnaire survey and assessment by a neurobehavioral test battery (NBT) was undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Comparison between actual and allied workers observed significant difference in tweezer dexterity, card sorting and backward memory scores. Significant effect of exposure was observed on tweezer dexterity, card sorting, and hand dynamometer scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes of neurobehavioral performance might occur following solvent exposure and these changes might have a relationship with the quantum of exposure. Periodic examination of workers with NBT is needed for detection of early neurotoxic effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Regional Occupational Health Centre (Eastern), Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Asim
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Tripathi
keywords: Neurobehavioral performance; occupational solvent exposure; synthetic resin