Solvent‐related health effects among construction painters with decreasing exposure

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of solvent-related symptoms among construction painters is unclear due to their declining exposure. METHODS: A questionnaire study was conducted on 1000 male Finnish construction painters and 1000 carpenters. Symptom questions were combined with exposure parameters, medical history, and health behavior. RESULTS: Highly significant associations were found between cumulative intensity of long-term solvent exposure (CE-LT) and symptoms of memory and concentration, and mood. CE-LT was a better measure of solvent exposure than the number of years as a painter. Exposure was also associated with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, hypertension and arrhythmia. Recent exposure in the 1990s had no major effect on symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results strengthen the dose-response relationship of exposure and long-term neurotoxic effects. No clear association was found between recent exposure and symptoms. Cardiovascular effects in solvent-exposed construction painters is further suggested.