Color vision impairments among shipyard workers exposed to mixed organic solvents, especially xylene

ObjectivesWe evaluated color vision impairment in workers exposed to organic solvents, especially xylene.MethodsThree groups of subjects, comprising 63 workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents, 122 non-exposed workers in the same industry, and 185 subjects from the general population as controls, were evaluated for color vision. Exposure to solvents was indirectly evaluated by measuring the concentration of a urinary metabolite. Color vision was assessed using the Lanthony Desaturated 15-hue (Lanthony D-15) panel.ResultsColor confusion index (CCI) values in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the non-exposed workers or the general population, after adjustment for age and education, and significantly correlated with the concentration of methylhippuric acid. Color vision impairments were detected more frequently among the exposed group, and the most common types were type III and complex impairments. The rate of type III impairments was 9.52% in the exposed group, 1.64% in the non-exposed group, and 1.62% in the general population.ConclusionOur results support the hypothesis that acquired color vision impairments could be induced by exposure to xylene. Testing for color vision impairment is a relatively simple, non-invasive and sensitive diagnostic method for relatively low-level exposures to xylene.

► Compared color vision impairment in painter exposed to mixed organic solvent and in general population non-exposed to organic solvent.
► Color vision impairments were more frequent among the exposed group.
► Color vision impairments were also associated with higher concentrations of urinary methylhippuric acid.