Journeymen painters were evaluated with a comprehensive
battery of neuropsychological tests and compared to demographically
similar nonexposed controls. For painters, a cumulative
exposure to solvents was estimated from a structured interview
that derived an index based on lifetime exposure and exposure
in the past year. Painters were tested either shortly after
having painted or after an exposure-free interval. Significant
between-group differences were found on a cluster of tests
measuring learning and memory. Within the painter group,
scores on the learning and memory tests were significantly
related to the interaction of condition and exposure. That
is, those painters who were tested soon after painting
and who also had a higher overall lifetime exposure, performed
worst on tests of learning and memory. These results are
consistent with the view that neuropsychological function — particularly
learning and memory — may be compromised in active
workers with a history of chronic solvent exposure. Furthermore,
both the chronicity of solvent exposure, as well as the
acuteness of the exposure, are significant factors in cognitive
performance. (JINS, 1997, 3, 269–275.)