Organic psychosyndrome among workers exposed to organic solvents

Aim of the study. To determine occupational factors of organic psychosyndrome (PSO) among workers exposed to moderate to low concentrations of organic solvents. Method. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted including 306 persons working in factories using organic solvents. PSO evaluation was performed using a questionnaire adapted from the Swedish Q16 questionnaire. Acute and cumulative solvent exposures were measured and calculated. Results. PSO prevalence was 10.9%. Air concentration measurements showed organic solvent concentrations under exposure limits values. Prevalence of PSO was not correlated with acute exposure but a significant relation was found with cumulative exposure (P < 10(-3); OR = 13.9 IC: 3.2-59.7). Multivariate analysis in logistic regression showed significant correlations of PSO with marital status (P = 0.036; OR = 2.86 IC: 1.07-7.64) and exposure group (P = 0.008; OR = 15.27 IC: 2.04-114.42). Conclusion. Workers chronically exposed to organic solvents even to low concentrations require vigilance. It is interesting to develop a work-exposure matrix to objectively evaluate solvent exposure and implement appropriate prevention measures. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.