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1023054 
Book/Book Chapter 
Solvents 
Gerr, F; Letz, R 
1992 
Little Brown & Co. 
Boston, MA 
NIOSH/00222256 
Environmental and occupational medicine 
Second Edition 
843-859 
Organic solvents and their health effects were discussed. The general classes of organic solvents were summarized. Issues related to assessing occupational exposure to organic solvents were considered. Most occupational exposures are to solvent mixtures, a situation which creates problems when attempting to assess exposure or establish standards. Methods for evaluating exposure to solvents were summarized. These include ambient or environmental monitoring, biological monitoring, and estimating exposure from questionnaire data. The choice of which method to use depends on the specific exposure situation and the goals of the exposure assessment. The toxicokinetics of solvent exposures were described. Reducing worker exposures to solvents was considered. The effects of solvents on the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) were discussed. n-Hexane (110543), methyl-n-butylketone (591786), and carbon-disulfide (75150) have been shown to induce distal axonal neuropathy in the PNS. Acute solvent exposures cause CNS depression and narcosis. Chronic effects on the CNS are a matter of controversy because of confusing terminology and inconsistent diagnostic criteria for describing CNS impairments. The effects of solvents on the kidneys were discussed. A number of solvents have been shown to cause acute tubule necrosis and acute renal failure. A number of studies have suggested that solvents can cause glomerulonephritis, although some studies have produced inconclusive results. Some studies have also suggested that mild tubular changes of unknown clinical significance can be detected in solvent exposed workers. The effects of solvents on the liver were discussed. Carbon-tetrachloride (56235) and chloroform (67663) have been shown to be hepatotoxic. Other chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents have demonstrated signs of hepatotoxicity. Nonhalogenated solvents do not appear to be hepatotoxic. Other health effects of solvents were discussed. These include dermal and reproductive effects and carcinogenicity. Benzene (71432) and chloromethyl ethers are known human carcinogens. Halogenated hydrocarbons have shown carcinogenicity in laboratory animal studies, but not in human studies. Clinical evaluation of solvent exposed workers was discussed. 
DCN-221994; Organic solvents; Occupational exposure; Toxic effects; Liver damage; Aliphatic hydrocarbons; Chlorinated hydrocarbons; Pharmacodynamics; Carcinogens; Neurotoxic effects; Renal toxicity 
2nd 
Rom, WM 
0316755672