There are several indications that long term occupational exposure to organic solvents is harmful to health.'2 Organic solvents have haematotoxic effects and may cause stuctural changes in platelet membranes. On the other hand, symptoms such as depression, forgetfulness, headache, and nausea suggest a damage at the neuronal level in the central nervous system. Direct evidence for a lesion within the brain can only be obtained in animal studies. In man platelets have been shown to serve as

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... for the serotonergic neurons. The analogy is founded on a proposed origin from the embryonic ectoderm and the similarities in uptake and storage of serotonin.3 We have reported that occupational exposure to organic solvents is associated with an increase in the maximal uptake capacity [Vmax] of serotonin in platelets.4 Since alterations in platelet membrane lipids may influence membrane related functions, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether exposure to solvent vapours from paints had any impact on the fatty acid composition of platelet membranes. Materials and methods We studied nine men aged 22-47 and three women aged 23-64 who were exposed to solvents in a paint manufacturing plant. The solvent mixture in the paint consisted of 70% white spirit, 30% aromatic hydrocarbons and various acid esters. The exposure level of solvents was estimated as moderate. Five men aged 20-32 and 14 women aged 19-50 with clerical occupations acted as controls. The exposed group was similar to the control group regarding general health and background variables such as alcohol and tobacco consumption.