« Previous AbstractQuantitative patterns between plant volatile emissions induced by biotic stresses and the degree of damage    Next AbstractOlfactory basis of floral preference of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) among common African plants »

Am J Ind Med

Title:		Prevalence of neuropsychiatric and mucous membrane irritation complaints among Palestinian shoe factory workers exposed to organic solvents and plastic compounds
Author(s):		Nijem K; Kristensen P; Al-Khatib A; Takrori F; Bjertness E;
Address:		"Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hebron University, Hebron, West Bank Palestinian Authority, Via Israel"
Journal Title:		Am J Ind Med
Year:		2001
Volume:		40
Issue:		2
Page Number:		192 - 198
DOI:		10.1002/ajim.1087
ISSN/ISBN:		0271-3586 (Print) 0271-3586 (Linking)
Abstract:		"BACKGROUND: Long-term exposure to organic solvents is associated with neuropsychiatric and mucus membrane irritation. In developing countries, efforts to secure a good working environment are inadequate and protection against chemical exposures is often neglected. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, the prevalence of self-reported health complaints and the association with long-term exposure to solvents and plastic materials in the work environment was studied among 167 shoe-factory workers. Prevalences and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR)were calculated in Cox regression. 95% confidence intervals were estimated for PRs of adverse health effects. RESULTS: Overall, the workers reported high prevalences of neuropsychiatric and mucus membrane complaints: headache (65%), mental irritability (53%), tingling of limbs (46%), and sore eyes (43%). Cleaning work was associated with tingling of limbs (PR = 1.8, 1.0-3.2), sore eyes (PR = 1.9, 1.1-3.3), and breathing difficulty (PR = 2.0, 1.0-3.9); plastic work was associated with tingling of limbs (PR = 1.8, 1.2-2.9)and sore eyes (PR = 1.7, 1.1-2.7); and varnishing was associated with breathing difficulty (PR = 1.9, 1.1-3.5). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of self-reported health complaints and the exposure-outcome association could be due to volatile organic solvents (dichloromethane, n-hexane)and plastic compounds (isocyanates and polyvinyl chloride). Absence of a satisfactory work environment is likely to contribute to high exposure levels"
Keywords:		Adolescent Adult Health Surveys Hexanes/adverse effects Humans Male Methylene Chloride/adverse effects Mucous Membrane/*drug effects Nervous System Diseases/*chemically induced Occupational Exposure/*adverse effects Occupations Polyvinyl Chloride/adverse;
Notes:		"MedlineNijem, K Kristensen, P Al-Khatib, A Takrori, F Bjertness, E eng 2001/08/09 Am J Ind Med. 2001 Aug; 40(2):192-8. doi: 10.1002/ajim.1087"