Abstract

The neurotoxic effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents are difficult to evaluate. One of the effects of such exposure is a loss of colour discrimination.

Colour vision of a group of printshop workers with occupational exposure to solvent mixtures was compared to that of a non-exposed reference group, using a hue discrimination test which discriminates between the various forms of colour vision loss, and between acquired and congenital abnormalities.

The proportion of affected workers was higher in the exposed group than in the reference group. Using exposure information, it was possible to identify the most hazardous operations and to suggest corrective measures.

Several parties involved in occupational health and safety have expressed interest in this research. This neurosensory assessment technique may soon be integrated into the test battery used to monitor the neurotoxic effects of occupational solvent exposure.