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

Robin Herbert, Deborah Harris-Abbott, Fredric Gerr, John Luo, Philip J. Landrigan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)349-354
Number of pages6
JournalArchives of Environmental Health
Volume50
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Peripheral neurologic abnormalities among roofing workers: Sentinel case and clinical screening'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this