[Psychological methods in the evaluation of neurotoxic effects of organic solvents]

Abstract

Organic solvents comprise a large and heterogenous group of chemical compounds and mixtures, largely belonging to volatile hydrocarbons. They are widely used in various industries. Long-term exposure to organic solvents as a cause of the central nervous system impairement has been subject of extensive epidemiological and clinical studies for years, especially in Scandinavia, but often with inconsistent results. In 1985 the World Health Organization published the criteria for the evaluation of neurotoxic effects of solvents that are now commonly accepted. The present paper provides a short review of the current state of knowledge in the field emphasizing the role of neuropsychological methods in assessing solvent toxicity.