Chlorinated hydrocarbon exposure symptoms

Dermal Effects. Some of the people in Woburn, Massachusetts, who had been chronically exposed to trace amounts of trichloroethylene and other substances in the drinking water reported skin lesions (Byers et al. 1988). These were maculopapular rashes that were said to occur approximately twice yearly and lasted 2-4 weeks. These skin conditions generally ceased 1-2 years after cessation of exposure to contaminated water. The limitations of this study are discussed in Section 2.2.2.8. A case study was published of a 63-year-old rural South Carolina woman exposed to trichloroethylene and other chlorinated hydrocarbons in her well water, who developed diffuse fascitis, although her husband did not (Waller et al. 1994). The level of trichloroethylene measured in the well water was 19 mg/L. Substitution of bottled water for drinking resulted in improved symptoms. 

Chlorinated hydrocarbons (chlordane, endosulfan, and chlorothalonil). Symptoms of exposure were dermatitis,eye irritation, nausea, and dizziness. Entry into treated areas was from 0 to 1 day after application. 

The quantities of solvents in paints vary with desired characteristics (e.g., drying time desired) and application (building interiors, automotive surfaces, and architectural applications). Other solvents, including chlorinated hydrocarbons and terpenes, for example, are also formulated into paints. Virtually all solvent-based paints contain mixtures of lipophiles and hydrophiles. The exposures of painters to low levels of solvents (sufficiently low enough so that they do not experience acute symptoms at the time of exposure and below the TLVs for the individual solvent molecules) enables one to ascribe neurotoxicological reactions to low level mixture exposures. 

Endosulfan (CAS 115-29-7) Inhalation and skin absorption are major routes of exposure. Symptoms Include nausea, confusion, excitement, twitching, and convulsions. Animal studies suggest liver and kidney Injury from very high exposures. Limited evidence for adverse effects on male reproduction and fetal development In animal studies. See also p 161. 0.1 mg/m S Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide. Tan, waxy solid with a mild sulfur dioxide odor. Thermal-breakdown products include oxides of sulfur and hydrogen chloride. 

IV. Diagnosis is based on a history of exposure and clinical presentation. Many chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents may cause identical symptoms. 

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