The use of experimental studies to reveal suspected neurotoxic chemicals as occupational hazards: Acute and chronic exposures to organic solvents

Abstract

The nervous system differs from many other body organs by its central control of vital functions and its low regeneration capacity. Organic solvents have, as a group, been suspected to have neurotoxic effects. Because of their similar physical properties and the fact that in industrial uses, they are often present in various mixtures, organic solvents have also been regarded, unfortunately, to induce common neurotoxic effects. However, it is evident from experimental studies using specified exposure conditions that different organic solvents have very diverse neurotoxic effects and also that the toxic mechanism may differ between acute and chronic exposure. No specific method used to describe a neurotoxic effect or single toxic response can be used for the overall occupational risk assessment of all organic solvents. Each solvent has to be considered as having its own unique toxic effects.

Prevalence of neuropsychiatric and mucous membrane irritation complaints among Palestinian shoe factory workers exposed to organic solvents and plastic compounds

“…The overall prevalences of the self-reported health complaints were high among the shoe-factory workers. This could be due to exposure to highly volatile solvents and plasticizer compounds that are known to cause mucus membrane irritation [Oleru and Onyekwere, 1992] and induce neurotoxic effects [Kyrklund, 1992;Wang and Chen, 1993] as well as mental and cognitive impairment [Mikkelsen, 1997;Morrow et al, 1998]. The absence of mechanical ventilation and suitable protective equipment [Nijem et al, unpublished data] could cause persistence of these compounds at the work site for a long period of time, thus increasing the exposure time and level.…”