Studies on Kidney Function in Subjects Exposed to Organic Solvents

Abstract

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was studied by measuring the 51-Cr-EDTA clearance with single bolus injection technique in 107 men exposed to styrene, toluene or toluene and xylene in their professions and in 48 non-exposed male controls. The clearance values of the controls were significantly related both to body surface area (BSA) and age. These relations were used to calculate expected clearances for the exposed subjects. The clearances of the exposed subjects were on an average 3.8% higher than expected, according to BSA and age in this group. This divergence was not significant. Thus, no reduction in GFR was found in the subjects exposed to organic solvents.

Effects of xylene and formaldehyde inhalations on renal oxidative stress and some serum biochemical parameters in rats

“…Xylene is widely used in various industrial processes (Langman, 1994;IPCS, 1997;IARC, 1999;Kum et al, 2007). In addition, it may play role in glomerular disease (Askergren, 1981;Langman, 1994), progressive renal fibrosis, renal failure (Al-Ghamdi et al, 2003a) and solvent-induced proximal tubular cell injury (Al-Ghamdi et al, 2003b). Prolonged exposure to organic solvents (such as toluene and xylene) may represent a risk factor of cancer (IPCS, 1997;IARC, 1999).…”

A review of environmental and occupational exposure to xylene and its health concerns

“…Xylene not alone exists in the environment, but also with other organic solvents which is a silent threat to human health. It is hard to mention that in some developing countries, where xylene is inadequately monitored causes kidney, liver defects, cancer, nervous disorders, birth anomalies, circulatory problems, and human sterility (Askergren et al, 1981[ 9 ]; Astier, 1992[ 10 ]; Arp et al, 1983[ 8 ]; Carlone and Fouts, 1974[ 14 ]; Bushnell, 1988[ 13 ]).…”

The Relationship Between Toxics Release Inventory Discharges and Mortality Rates in Rural and Urban Areas of the United States

“…This research may focus on specific chemicals with known risks such as established carcinogens in relationship to lung cancer, or it may investigate those chemicals discharged at highest levels in relationship to suspected health consequences. For example, methanol, xylene, and toluene were among the highest quantity TRI releases, and all are petrochemicals that have been linked to kidney and liver disease 31,32 . Nitrate releases may be studied in relation to infant methemoglobinemia 33 .…”