Paint fumes linked to memory damage

London - A link has been found between solvents such as paint fumes and permanent memory damage.

Chemicals in paint, paint-stripper, carpet glue, furniture polish and dry cleaning agents cause lasting damage when inhaled in large amounts, according to a study.

US researchers put 2 143 retirees from the French national utility company – who had been exposed to solvents throughout their working lives – through tests of memory and brain function.

Participants had an average age of 66 and took the eight tests an average of ten years after they had retired.

Just 18 percent did well and those with high, recent exposure to solvents fared worst. But even fumes inhaled up to 50 years ago still caused impairment.

The Harvard University researchers, writing in the journal Neurology, said the study only covered industrial use but for those concerned about decorating at home, ventilating rooms and using low-solvent paints will reduce exposure. - Daily Mail