Peripheral neurologic abnormalities among roofing workers: sentinel case and clinical screening

Arch Environ Health. 1995 Sep-Oct;50(5):349-54. doi: 10.1080/00039896.1995.9935966.

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy developed in a 52-y-old roofer who was exposed to multiple solvents in one-ply roofing systems. Forty roofers who were exposed to various roofing systems were assessed by symptoms, occupational history, standardized physical examination, and measurement of vibrotactile thresholds of the upper and lower extremities. After exclusion of roofers who were predisposed to peripheral neuropathy, we detected abnormal vibrotactile thresholds in 42% (p < .001) of roofers' dominant toes and in 36% (p < .001) of roofers' nondominant toes; fewer roofers had abnormal sensory physical examinations or reported neuritic symptoms. Roofing workers may be at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy, perhaps resulting from exposure to solvents--particularly n-hexane, associated with one-ply roofing systems.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Construction Materials / adverse effects*
  • Functional Laterality
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensory Thresholds
  • Sentinel Surveillance
  • Solvents / adverse effects*
  • Touch
  • Vibration

Substances

  • Solvents