Exposure to neurotoxic agents in Finnish working environments. Trends and assessment of exposure.

The article reviews the current condition of exposure to neurotoxic agents in working environments in Finland. The role of measurements of ambient air concentrations and biological monitoring in the assessment of exposure levels is also briefly discussed. The results are needed in order to assess the exposure of workers who apparently have neurological disorders of occupational origin or of workers subject to health examinations because of exposure to neurotoxic agents. Such results are often lacking, and the assessment must be based on information received from the exposed workers themselves and from the employer. In deciding on the possible occupational origin of a neurological disease account must also be taken of the exposure-related symptoms of the worker, any other diseases and any physiological factors that may lead to increased susceptibility of the worker to toxic agents.