Survey of solvent related chronic encephalopathy as an occupational disease in European countries

Abstract

Objectives-To obtain information about solvent related chronic encephalopathy (SRCE) in the countries of the European Union (EU). Method-A survey was conducted in 1998 and 1999 among medical experts, authorities for health and safety, and social security institutions. Results-SRCE is an acknowledged occupational disease in most of the participating countries. However, the numbers of compensated cases diVer considerably. This is mainly a consequence of national social law rather than of diVerences in the criteria of diagnosis. In countries with relatively high reported incidences-such as Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden-the number of acknowledged cases has declined over the past 5-10 years, although the most important criteria of diagnosis and causality, according to expert opinion, equivalent diagnostic procedures, and measures for prevention within the EU are not comparable. Conclusions-There is a need for common guidelines for early diagnosis and the evaluation of causality. Actual figures of SRCE are not suitable to estimate prospective numbers of cases. For this reason a multicentre study in EU states is necessary after a consensus of diagnostic procedure. It is likely that the number of cases will decrease as a result of changes in legislation and preventive measures-such as substitution or reduction of solvents in the products, improvement of technical equipment, and regular health surveillance. Future research activities should focus on follow up studies of prognosis, randomised clinical trials of treatment, investigation of neurotoxic mechanisms, and of the interaction of solvent mixtures. (Occup Environ Med 2001;58:575-581)

Organic solvents as chemical risk factors of the work environment in different branches of industry and possible impact of solvents on workers' health

“…The obtained results show a similar picture with the data referred to in the literature on high organic solvent occupational exposure probability in the workplaces of automotive industry, furniture production, printing and publishing industry and dry cleaners' services (Parmeggiani, 1985;Pesch, 2000;Lash, 2001;Triebig, 2001;Dick, 2006).…”

“…Benzene and petrol have a carcinogenic effect and hydrocarbon group solvents can influence man's reproductive ability and also development of foetus. Vapour of both group solvents irritates eyes and skin (Lacey, 1999;Plenge-Bönig, 1999;Eglîte, 2000;Shi, 2001;Triebig, 2001;Dick, 2006). In the mechanical equipment sector employers must plan replacement of hydrocarbon group organic solvents; more attention should be paid to the optimisation of production processes to reduce the emission of organic solvents into the work environment, and protective equipment should be used to reduce exposure to risk of chemical factors.…”

“…The specific effect depends on the solvent's chemical activity and the effect caused by its metabolic products. For example, poisoning with benzene and its homologues can cause disturbance of regulation of the central haematogenic system; in the case of poisoning with hydrocarbon halogen derivatives, liver and kidney damages and body sensibilization can occur (Eglîte, 2000;Triebig, 2001;Dick, 2006).…”

“…In cases of chronic poisoning most often affected are both central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as other organs and organ systems (Boman, 2000;Eglîte, 2000;Triebig, 2001;Dick, 2006).…”

Characterization of the toxicological hazards of hydrocarbon solvents

“…The clinical picture may be described as a psycho-organic syndrome or a mild degree of dementia; that is a clinical syndrome of premature ageing of higher cortical functions" [citing European Commission 1997]. Contributing to the controversy is a lack of consensus on the basic elements of this condition: there is no common terminology (Baker and Seppalainen 1986) nor are there consistent diagnostic criteria (Triebig and Hallermann 2001, van der Hoek et al 2001); no animal model (Bruckner and Warren 2001, ECETOC 1996); and no consistent pathological changes in humans following long-term exposure to solvents, other than some specific examples (Ridgway et al 2003). 13 The non-acute CNS changes that have been attributed to long-term solvent exposure are non-specific and similar to those of aging and alcoholism.…”