Solvent exposures in screen printing shops

A comprehensive description of working conditions, exposure patterns for or ganic solvents, and related health symptoms among workers in ten small scre en printing companies located in Seattle, Washington, is presented. Samplin g methods included continuous area monitoring, grab sampling, personal samp ling, and time study observation. A total of 27 workers were observed and m onitored for solvent exposure. Short-term peak exposures were characterized in terms of magnitude, duration and repetition, and their contribution to time weighted average (TWA) exposures were evaluated. A health questionnair e addressing the symptoms potentially attributable to solvents was used to investigate the possible health effects from exposure. Significant differen ces in the prevalence of headaches, dizziness, intoxication, and dry skin ( p < 0.01) were reported among workers who had some solvent exposure compare d with the referent group that was not exposed. Exposed workers were also m ore likely to report fatigue, loss of strength in the arms and hands, diffi culty concentrating, sore throat, and a low alcohol tolerance.