Ss66-03 Toluene Use and Exposure: Implications for the Visual Health of Restorers of Works of Art

Introduction The use of toluene and other organic solvents for cleaning works of art has been a common practice since the 1990s. Toluene is a neuronal inhibitor associated with progressive damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS, PNS) and its toxicity can occur through inadvertent inhalation. The objective of this study is to consider the alterations in vision produced by toluene exposure in restorers of works of art, as an occupational disease. Materials and Methods A bibliographic search was carried out in specific restoration books and electronic articles published from 2010 to 2019. The electronic articles were found in the Elsevier, Scielo, PubMed and Research Gate databases. The search terms were ‘restoration of works of art, ‘toluene’, ‘organic solvents’, ‘occupational poisoning’, and ‘dyschromatopsia’ (a form of colour-blindness). Results Restorers of works of art are exposed to low doses of toluene for months or years. Chronic exposure may cause damage of CNS due to the destruction of the white matter as well as dysfunction of the PNS. Toluene exposure can affect the optic nerve and the macular area of the retina possibly due to mitochondrial poisoning that inhibits oxidative phosphorylation. The symptoms presented include blurred and distorted vision and dyschromatopsia. Conclusions The alteration of the perception of colours has a direct impact on the work of art restorers because it decreases their work capacity. Early detection of dyschromatopsia should therefore be contemplated in the medical surveillance of art restorers.