Conclusions
x Chronic exposure to solvents is associated
with subjective complaints related particularly
to cognitive functions.
x The German Q18 is a sensitive and reliable
screening questionnaire for solvent related
complaints.
x For men a cut oV point of five or more complaints
is recommended for use with the
German Q18. For women we propose the
use of six complaints or more as a starting
point for further evaluation.
x The German Q18 is a sensitive instrument
for screening but not suYcient for individual
diagnosis.
x Our results are consistent with most results
of studies reported in publications which
used the Swedish Q16.