A nested case-control study of disability pension among seamen, with special reference to neuropsychiatric disorders and exposure to solvents.

A cohort of 1,687 captains and mates from different types of ships were followed for recording of disability pension from 1970 to 1986. 199 cases were found. At date of diagnosis each case was age-matched to 4 randomly selected seamen within the rest of the cohort at risk. A strong relationship between disability pension due to neuropsychiatric diagnoses and work on tankers was found, especially when restricted to work as a mate on the tankers. These mates experience the highest exposure to organic solvents within the investigated group. The findings indicate an occurrence of chronic nervous system disorders due to long-term exposure to organic solvents.