Organic Solvents

Abstract

This chapter describes the exposure, absorption, metabolism and toxic effects, particularly effects to the nervous system, of organic solvents. Since both occupational and domestic exposure is usually to mixtures of individual solvents rather than to single compounds, the metabolic interaction of solvents is addressed, as well as toxic effects of mixtures. Organic solvents have many clinical effects in common, but some solvents have individual effects, for example, the polyneuropathy induced by n ‐hexane, leukaemia induced by benzene and ventricular fibrillation induced by chlorinated solvents. Such effects, as well as particular metabolic profiles are described in individual sections on aliphatic solvents (chlorinated and nonchlorinated), alicyclic and aromatic solvents, alcohols and glycol ethers. Future challenges include exposure assessment, particularly with regard to occupational exposure. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the effects of organic solvents on the central nervous system are still not clear. Further work is also needed regarding carcinogenic properties, the role of genetic polymorphisms and possible immunotoxicological effects.

Heavy metals, organic solvents, and multiple sclerosis: An exploratory look at gene-environment interactions

“…8,17,18 Solvents have been linked to neurobehavioral changes, short-term memory impairment and loss of psychomotor functions. 18 There is limited research on the effects of organic solvents on the immune system however a recent meta-analysis concluded that such exposure is significantly associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, including MS, primary systemic vasculitis, and systemic sclerosis. 17 Therefore, organic solvents likely exert their toxic effects through molecular mechanisms involving the immune system.…”

Toxic Environmental Factors and Multiple Sclerosis: A Mechanistic View

“…In no-predisposed animals, pretreatment with inorganic mercury can exacerbate autoimmune disease even prior to disease induction (11). Moreover, exposure to OSs such as toluene or xylene has been postulated to affect MS risk through altered immune function or neurotoxicity (12,13).Although it is believed that MS is multifactorial in etiology, finite studies have examined the role of…”