Effects of long-term low-level solvent exposure on cognitive function.

Purpose: The effects of long-term low-level exposures to solvents on cognitive function were investigated.

Methods: A total of 389 workers at a gun factory, those exposed to solvents (n = 193) and those that were not exposed to solvents during work (n = 196), were included. All the workers were given a questionnaire. Cognitive function was evaluated by Mini-mental Status Examination (MMSE) and psychological status was assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale.

Results: No differences were found in the MMSE and HAD scores between solvent-exposed workers and control workers (p > 0.05). In the workers who had used a mask for a longer time, orientation scores were lower. Daytime sleepiness was related to lower recall scores. Left-handed workers had higher total HAD scores than right-handed workers.

Conclusions: Long-term low-level exposure to solvents did not affect cognitive function in the workers, according to their MMSE scores. Duration of solvent exposure was also not related to MMSE Scores. Short sleep duration and daytime sleepiness may negatively affect cognitive function.