Self-reported symptoms and their effects on cognitive functioning in workers with past exposure to solvent-based glues: an 18-year follow-up |
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Authors: | L Nordling Nilson L Barregård G Sällsten S Hagberg |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Occupational Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at G?teborg University, Box 414, 405 30, Goteborg, Sweden
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Abstract: | Objectives To examine to what extent exposure to organic solvents during the working life affects general well-being in the long term,
and to explore the relationship between self-reported symptoms and cognitive functioning in previously solvent-exposed floor
layers.
Methods The study included 41 solvent-exposed floor layers and 40 unexposed referents participating in a longitudinal follow-up study
18 years after the baseline assessment. Symptom prevalence and level of spare time activities were studied using the same
methods as in the initial study. These include a general health examination, the Q16 symptom questionnaire, and a questionnaire
for spare time activities. Relationships between symptoms and cognitive functioning were analysed based on recently published
data on cognitive functioning of the participants at follow-up.
Results At follow-up neuropsychiatric symptoms such as need to check things, depressive mood, and abnormal fatigue, were more prevalent
among floor layers, particularly the most exposed individuals, than among referents. In addition, the most highly exposed
floor layers reported more concentration difficulties and irritability. Fatigue and depressive mood increased over the follow-up
time in the most exposed floor layers but not in the referents. Memory difficulties, although more frequent among floor layers
than among referents, had decreased in floor layers while increased in referents. Floor layers also reported some negative
effects on intimate relations and activity level. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were related to poorer performance chiefly in
memory tasks and tests of complex attention and perceptual speed, more seldom in visuospatial tasks.
Conclusions Findings of exposure-related, long-lasting, partly deteriorating neuropsychiatric complaints indicate that general well-being
later in life has been affected in floor layers with past heavy solvent exposure. We also found frequent associations between
symptom prevalence and the cognitive functioning. Together with previous findings of dose-related cognitive decrements, the
present results strengthen the evidence that long-term heavy occupational solvent exposure may negatively interact with the
normal ageing process. |
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Keywords: | Solvents Long-term follow-up Symptoms Cognitive functioning Well-being |
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