Exposure-outcome relationships between organic solvent exposure and neuropsychiatric disorders: results from a Dutch case-control study.

In this article the material collected for a case-control study is analyzed in order to evaluate the existence of relationships between organic solvent exposure and the entitlement to disability benefits due to neuropsychiatric disorders. Questionnaires were used to collect information on 252 cases receiving compensation due to neuropsychiatric disorders and 822 controls about their occupational history and work practices related to organic solvent exposure. In order to estimate the exposure to organic solvents, three exposure indices were used: duration of exposure, painters' index, and general exposure index. Analysis showed some tendencies indicating positive exposure-outcome relationships. Furthermore, some work activities and working conditions associated with high exposure to organic solvents (e.g., poor ventilation, using paint removers) resulted in a marked increase of the likelihood for receiving disability benefits due to neuropsychiatric disorders.