Chronic solvent neurotoxicity in New Zealand: notified cases between 1993 and 1997.

  • 13 November 1998
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 111  (1077) , 425-7
Abstract
To report on cases of chronic solvent neurotoxicity notified to the Department of Labour between 1993 and 1997. Previously published diagnostic criteria were used to classify notified cases as "verified", "not verified" or "not proven". Verified cases were further classified as Type 1 or 2(2) and analysed according to occupation, solvent type and length of exposure. Of 193 notified cases, 76 were classified as "verified". The majority were male (74/76) and European (69/76). Mean length of exposure to solvents for Type I cases was 10.6 years (SD 4.7) and for Type II cases 19.8 years (SD 8.4). Forty-three cases were classified as "mild" and 33 as "moderate". The most frequent occupation was spraypainting (39%), followed by printing (16%) and boatbuilding (9%). There was no correlation between severity of symptoms and type of solvent. There was a non-significant trend of increasing severity of symptoms with length of exposure. Exposure to solvents is an important health hazard in New Zealand workplaces.

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