P-346 Screening for Sioc in Workers Exposed to Organic Solvents in the Automotive Parts Industry

Introduction Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) is defined as a group of nonspecific symptoms presented by a person exposed to various chemicals. Objectives: To screen for MCS and assess their impact on workers in the automotive parts manufacturing sector. Methods Cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted in an automotive parts manufacturing company in Ben Arous using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Results We recruited 120 employees, with an average age of 36,4 years. One hundred and one employees (84,2%) were exposed to organic solvents. One hundred employees (98,3%) developed symptoms of MCS during their professional careers, which were cognitive in 75% of cases and neurological in 45,8% of cases. The diagnosis of MCS was very likely in 29 employees (24,2%), fairly likely in eight employees (6,7%), unlikely in 78 employees (65%), and doubtful in five employees (4.2%). A fair or very likely MCS was significantly associated with a median duration of exposure to chemicals greater than ten years (p=0,001), the absence of regular wearing of personal protective equipment (p=0,00), and the presence of an anxiodepressive disorder (p=0,009) and absenteeism (p=0.00). Twenty-one employees (17.5%) benefited from job transfer. Discussion Because of the symptomatology, MCS has significant psychosocial and professional repercussions. Conclusion Early diagnosis of MCS is important to assess its impact and prevent deterioration of quality of life.