AIM: To report on cases of chronic solvent neurotoxicity notified to the Department of Labour between 1993 and 1997. METHODS: Previously published diagnostic criteria were used to classify notified cases as "verified", "not verified" or "not proven". Verified cases were further classified as Type 1 or 2(2) and analysed according to occupation, solvent type and length of exposure. RESULTS: Of 193 notified cases, 76 were classified as "verified". The majority were male (74/76) and European (69/76). Mean length of exposure to solvents for Type I cases was 10.6 years (SD 4.7) and for Type II cases 19.8 years (SD 8.4). Forty-three cases were classified as "mild" and 33 as "moderate". The most frequent occupation was spraypainting (39%), followed by printing (16%) and boatbuilding (9%). There was no correlation between severity of symptoms and type of solvent. There was a non-significant trend of increasing severity of symptoms with length of exposure. CONCLUSION: Exposure to solvents is an important health hazard in New Zealand workplaces.
AIM: To report on cases of chronic solvent neurotoxicity notified to the Department of Labour between 1993 and 1997. METHODS: Previously published diagnostic criteria were used to classify notified cases as "verified", "not verified" or "not proven". Verified cases were further classified as Type 1 or 2(2) and analysed according to occupation, solvent type and length of exposure. RESULTS: Of 193 notified cases, 76 were classified as "verified". The majority were male (74/76) and European (69/76). Mean length of exposure to solvents for Type I cases was 10.6 years (SD 4.7) and for Type II cases 19.8 years (SD 8.4). Forty-three cases were classified as "mild" and 33 as "moderate". The most frequent occupation was spraypainting (39%), followed by printing (16%) and boatbuilding (9%). There was no correlation between severity of symptoms and type of solvent. There was a non-significant trend of increasing severity of symptoms with length of exposure. CONCLUSION: Exposure to solvents is an important health hazard in New Zealand workplaces.
Authors: Petra Keski-Säntti; Ari Kaukiainen; Hanna-Kaisa Hyvärinen; Markku Sainio Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2009-11-26 Impact factor: 3.015