Extensive exposure to paint and solvents can cause permanent cognitive impairment

A new study reveals that cognition and memory are impacted by exposure to solvents in ways not previously known.

Professional painters and other workers who are routinely exposed to large amounts of paints, glues and various types of solvents could experience abnormal memory loss as a result. Though some decline was measured in those with moderate exposure to these chemicals, the effect is most prominent and long lasting in extensive levels of exposure.

This announcement came from a study released on Tuesday from the Harvard School of Public Health, located in Boston. The study examined 2,143 retired French utility workers whose jobs required them to be exposed to three types of solvents. 25 percent were exposed to petroleum solvents, 26 percent to benzene, and 33 percent were exposed to chlorinated solvents.

These retired workers were asked to perform eight tasks to measure cognitive and memory performances. The results of these tasks showed measurable impairment for 82 percent of the participants. 59 percent displayed impairment during one to three tasks, while 23 percent demonstrated impaired performance on four or more of the tests.

A noteworthy distinction on the cognitive impairment measured in this study is the difference between moderate exposures and high, long-term exposure. The effects of moderate exposure can, over time away from the chemicals, show evidence of recovery. What the study found was that high-level exposure can produce permanent effects.

The effects were most pronounced in individuals whose exposure occurred between 12 and 30 years prior to their testing. “The people with high exposure within the last 12 to 30 years showed impairment in almost all areas of memory and thinking, including those not usually associated with solvent exposure,” said Erika Sabbath, the study’s lead author.

Findings like this are important as retirement age increases, leaving people with more years of potential exposure to the harmful chemicals. But the study’s findings can also help to inform companies seeking to maintain safe work environments as well as physicians treating those with solvent, paint and glue related cognitive decline.