Health effects of long‐term solvent exposure among women in blue‐collar occupations

Abstract

The relationship of solvent exposure to self-reported neurologic and somatic symptoms as well as neuropsychological performance was examined in a sample of 567 female blue collar workers who were members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Structured interviews were conducted at IBEW offices. Five solvent exposure categories were derived--never exposed, exposed prior to but not during the past year, exposed during the past year but not currently, currently exposed less than 50% of the time, and currently exposed more than 50% of the time. No differences among the groups on neuropsychological performance were found. On the other hand, heightened exposure was significantly related to depression, severe headaches, light-headedness, room spinning, appetite difficulties, funny taste in mouth, weakness/fatigue, rashes, and abdominal pain after controlling for the effects of seven risk factors (age, smoking, moderate-heavy alcohol consumption, severe obesity, history of physician-diagnosed chronic illness, working in a clean room, and exposure to other chemicals). These findings are consistent with Scandinavian studies of solvent-exposed male workers and point to the need for careful prospective research.