INVESTIGATION OF DOSE-RELATED NEUROBEHAVIORAL EFFECTS IN PAINTMAKERS EXPOSED TO LOW-LEVELS OF SOLVENTS

A cross sectional study was carried out to compare 110 paintmakers exp osed to solvents with 110 age matched controls for outcome measures de signed to assess cognitive performance and mental health. Hygiene data available for the paintmakers allowed the development of individual i ndices of solvent exposure and the analyses of health effects in relat ion to both duration and intensity of exposure. No effects on cognitiv e functioning or mental health were found in the paintmakers. For most of their period of employment the exposure of the paintmakers had bee n below current occupational exposure limits. The results are therefor e interpreted as providing support for the view that long term exposur e at or below current compliance levels does not result in damage to t he central nervous system.