Although organic solvents are essential components of an industrial economy; they are not used without risk. The relationship between excessive exposure to organic solvents and susbequent development of chronic encephalopathy has been recognized for neary 100 years.Fifteen industrial painters who underwent evaluation in an occupational health clinic for symptoms that they realted to their work were found to have a shigh prevalence of neurasthenic symptomas, most frequently, memory loss and personality change. Although neurologic and screening laboratory examinations showed no consistent abnormalitie, pshychological ests documented poor short-term memory and an array of neuropsychologic deficits. Pesonality profiles revealed depresion, anxiety, and preoccupation with somatic concerns.These fidings agree well with previous reports of “chronic painter's syndrome.” Heightened awareness among industrial physicians and prospecutive studies to evaluate existing threshold limit values and personal protective equipment requirements are indicated.