The relation of occupational organic solvent exposure to symptom reporting in a sample of white and Chinese midlife women

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relation of occupational solvent exposure to menopausal and other symptoms in midlife women. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 480 Chinese and 494 white women, aged 40-55 years, in Northern California. Levels of exposure to organic solvents (none, low, medium, or high) were assigned to each current job using a job-exposure matrix. RESULTS: A lower proportion of women with low occupational organic solvent exposure reported hot flashes or night sweats than working women with no solvent exposure (adjusted prevalence odds ratio APOR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval CI] = 0.19-1.21). A greater proportion of women with high solvent exposure reported forgetfulness than women with no exposure (APOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.12-5.63). CONCLUSIONS: Some symptom reporting in midlife women was related to their occupational organic solvent exposure.