LONG-TERM NEUROTOXIC EFFECTS,

This report was prepared by a specialist committee of the RSC for the Commission of the European Communities, on what has become a contentious issue in some quarters. Some believe that long-term exposure to paint solvents may induce a chronic toxic encephalopathy that may be disabling. Others have argued that the evidence for this is poor. In this report, the various components of oil-based decorative paints are described, as are studies that have been made on the neurotoxicity of the individual solvents. The relative advantages and disadvantages of oil-based and water-based paints are described. The main section of the report relates to epidemiological studies on painters themselves and also notes the problems that have become apparent over time in establishing an adequate methodology for conducting such studies. The report ends by drawing conclusions and making recommendations.