Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Poster Number
32
Document Type
Poster
Status
Graduate Student - Masters
Abstract Category
Environmental and Occupational Health
Keywords
solvent, construction, painter, neurotoxicity
Publication Date
Spring 2018
Abstract
Background
Existing evidence suggests that occupational exposure to solvents can have devastating and adverse effects on cognitive function. Individuals in the construction industry, specifically construction painters, often come in contact with these harmful chemicals on a regular basis. A solvent is a liquid that can dissolve, suspend, or extract other materials without chemical change to the solvent itself. They are present in a wide range of industries and can be used for extraction of fats and oils, degreasing, or manufacturing of paints and plastics. Their main routes of exposure are through inhalation and skin absorption, and they have a tendency to accumulate in lipid-rich tissues like the brain. It is estimated that 49 million metric tons of solvents are produced every year in the United States, and approximately 10 million people are exposed daily. Many solvents used in occupational settings have been shown to adversely affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing a wide range of neurotoxic effects. Symptoms can range from mild nausea, dizziness, and irritability to more serious cases of impaired memory and behavior or alterations to the nervous system. A systematic review was conducted to assess the evidence of occupational solvent exposure and associated symptoms of neurotoxicity in construction painters.
Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed and SCOPUS using the Navigation Guide methodology. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance to the review topic, and appropriate records were chosen based on the specified inclusion criteria. Each record was assessed for risk of bias, and quality and strength of evidence were rated across the body of evidence.
Results/Discussion
A total of seven records were included in this review. Risk of bias was generally low, and quality of evidence was rated moderate. The overall strength of evidence was rated sufficient, as findings from each record suggested that solvent exposure was associated with symptoms of neurotoxicity. Future research should focus on identifying other vulnerable populations with past and current solvent exposure to better understand their toxic effects. Conducting cohort studies with large sample sizes and appropriate, robust exposure assessments is key to confirming associations over a longer period of time.
Conclusion
There is sufficient evidence supporting the association between occupational exposure to solvents and neurotoxicity in construction painters. It is crucial we take action to protect workers by reducing or eliminating exposure to ultimately prevent the onset of neurotoxicity and other adverse health outcomes.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Open Access
1
Included in
Environmental Health Commons, Environmental Public Health Commons, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons
Occupational Exposure to Solvents and Associated Neurotoxicity in Construction Painters: A Systematic Review
Background
Existing evidence suggests that occupational exposure to solvents can have devastating and adverse effects on cognitive function. Individuals in the construction industry, specifically construction painters, often come in contact with these harmful chemicals on a regular basis. A solvent is a liquid that can dissolve, suspend, or extract other materials without chemical change to the solvent itself. They are present in a wide range of industries and can be used for extraction of fats and oils, degreasing, or manufacturing of paints and plastics. Their main routes of exposure are through inhalation and skin absorption, and they have a tendency to accumulate in lipid-rich tissues like the brain. It is estimated that 49 million metric tons of solvents are produced every year in the United States, and approximately 10 million people are exposed daily. Many solvents used in occupational settings have been shown to adversely affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing a wide range of neurotoxic effects. Symptoms can range from mild nausea, dizziness, and irritability to more serious cases of impaired memory and behavior or alterations to the nervous system. A systematic review was conducted to assess the evidence of occupational solvent exposure and associated symptoms of neurotoxicity in construction painters.
Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed and SCOPUS using the Navigation Guide methodology. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance to the review topic, and appropriate records were chosen based on the specified inclusion criteria. Each record was assessed for risk of bias, and quality and strength of evidence were rated across the body of evidence.
Results/Discussion
A total of seven records were included in this review. Risk of bias was generally low, and quality of evidence was rated moderate. The overall strength of evidence was rated sufficient, as findings from each record suggested that solvent exposure was associated with symptoms of neurotoxicity. Future research should focus on identifying other vulnerable populations with past and current solvent exposure to better understand their toxic effects. Conducting cohort studies with large sample sizes and appropriate, robust exposure assessments is key to confirming associations over a longer period of time.
Conclusion
There is sufficient evidence supporting the association between occupational exposure to solvents and neurotoxicity in construction painters. It is crucial we take action to protect workers by reducing or eliminating exposure to ultimately prevent the onset of neurotoxicity and other adverse health outcomes.
Comments
Presented at GW Annual Research Days 2018.