Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-v9fdk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-12T19:35:57.826Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Neuropsychological performance of journeymen painters under acute solvent exposure and exposure-free conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 1997

LISA A. MORROW
Affiliation:
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
STUART R. STEINHAUER
Affiliation:
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
RUTH CONDRAY
Affiliation:
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
MICHAEL HODGSON
Affiliation:
Section of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030

Abstract

Journeymen painters were evaluated with a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and compared to demographically similar nonexposed controls. For painters, a cumulative exposure to solvents was estimated from a structured interview that derived an index based on lifetime exposure and exposure in the past year. Painters were tested either shortly after having painted or after an exposure-free interval. Significant between-group differences were found on a cluster of tests measuring learning and memory. Within the painter group, scores on the learning and memory tests were significantly related to the interaction of condition and exposure. That is, those painters who were tested soon after painting and who also had a higher overall lifetime exposure, performed worst on tests of learning and memory. These results are consistent with the view that neuropsychological function — particularly learning and memory — may be compromised in active workers with a history of chronic solvent exposure. Furthermore, both the chronicity of solvent exposure, as well as the acuteness of the exposure, are significant factors in cognitive performance. (JINS, 1997, 3, 269–275.)

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1997 The International Neuropsychological Society

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)