Detecting chronic solvent encephalopathy in occupations at risk

The study shows that more CSE compatible cases can be detected when the screening is directed towards the occupational fields at greatest risk. This stepwise method is more effective for finding CSE compatible cases than regular OHS activity. The number of cases was similar to the total annual occurrence, of new CSE-suspected cases, although the sample represented approximately 18% of the abundantly exposed workforce in Finland. Combining of exposure and medical differential diagnostics to neurotoxic symptom questionnaire, decreases the amount of cases needing clinical examinations. This two-step procedure can be carried out with methods suitable for OHS and other primary health care, both in industrialized and developed countries.