Exposure to Paint and Grease Fumes Causes Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline: Study

Workers who are regularly exposed to fumes released from paints and glue  suffer memory and cognitive decline, according to a study.

 Harmful chemicals in utility products like paint, grease and wood varnish emit gases that cause breathing problems, headaches, eye infections, allergy and dizziness. Past studies have shown prolonged exposure to hazardous compounds in these substances can increase the risk of cancer and asthma. Recently, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found people employed in jobs that make products like furniture polish, engine cleaners, dye, rubber, detergents and synthetic chemicals that contain chlorine, petroleum solvents and benzene experience loss of memory and thinking skills during old age.

Their study involved more than 2,100 workers who retired from a French utility company Electric de France, to analyze the effects of exposure to harmful chemicals. It was observed that 26 percent of the total participants had exposure to benzene, 33 percent to chlorinated solvents and 25 percent to petroleum solvents. All subjects when aged about 66 and after completing a decade after retirement were given eight tests for their memory power and intellectual abilities. The researchers also included other variables like age, education, tobacco and alcohol use.

The findings revealed 59 percent of the retirees gave poor performance in almost one to three tests. About 23 percent scored less in four or more tests and only 18 percent of the subjects fared well in all eight tests.

In addition it was noted that individuals who reportedly had very high and recent exposure to these dangerous compounds had increased susceptibility for memory loss and thinking difficulties in old age. These participants were 65 percent more likely to score really low in memory tasks, visual attention and task switching skills compared to those who did not inhale or ingest these chemical solvents. The study explained brain areas get affected one by one and the prefrontal cortex  associated with memory skills has reduced activity due to continuous exposure.

"It has been known for many years, through many studies, that exposure to solvents in occupational settings can have negative effects on cognitive functions," Erika Sabbath, study author and researcher at HSPH told Healthline news. "It was often thought that with increasing time since the last exposure, the effects sort of faded away."

The study authors urge manufacturing companies and workers in industrial establishments to take precautionary measures to avoid ingesting chemical substances. The study recommends the use of masks and respirators while using solvent vapors.

"Our findings are particularly important because exposure to solvents is very common, even in industrialized countries like the United States," said Sabbath, reports the Free Press Journal.

More information is available online in the journal Neurology.