Toxic encephalopathy and sperm quality among flexoprinters
Bonde, J.P.; Mortensen, J.T.; Johansen, J.P.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 149(7): 469-471
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3824639 Document Number: 290550
The incidences of acute and chronic neurotoxic symptoms were investigated in 21 flexoprinters exposed to ethanol, isopropanol and ethyl acetate in concentrations which have decreased from around the TLV to considerably below the TLV during the course of years. Clinical and neuropsychological investigations were performed and supplemented in some cases by paraclinical investigations. The sperm quality was investigated during the course of a three-month period of investigation. Two thirds of the persons involved gave histories of previous or current acute symptoms of intoxication related to their employment, particularly in connection with cleaning procedures. Eight complained of increased fatigue, failing memory, difficulty in concentrating and lack of initiative. In three cases, slight or slight to moderate toxic encephalopathy was found. One of these cases was considered to be due entirely to exposure to organic solvents in the flexoprinter industry while other possible causes had been present in the other two cases. In 18 out of 19 individuals, the sperm quality was found to be normal. In one person, the sperm quality was abnormal on account of known, non-occupational causes. In itself, the result of this investigation does not provide the basis for conclusions concerning the occurrence of toxic encephalopathy following exposure to organic solvents in concentrations under the TLV. No evidence was found that exposure to organic solvents in concentrations considerably under the TLV has any influence on sperm quality.