Organic solvents long-term effects

Benzene, a component of motor fuel that is also widely used as an industrial solvent and as a starting material in organic synthesis, is a hematopoietic toxin. Chronic exposure to benzene vapors leads to pancytopenia, that is, decreased production of all types of blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets). The long-term effect of benzene exposure is acute leukemia. 

Many landfills contain VOCs (volatile organic chemicals). This group of chemicals includes benzene and toluene (both carcinogens), chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as carbon tetrachloride, and trichloroethylene, which previously was used as a dry-cleaning solvent. Even though these compounds are not very soluble in water, they do accumulate at the parts-per-million level. Their long-term effect on human health is unknown at this time. 

The neurobehavioral effects of long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents have been reviewed (28,29). 

Phenoxyethanol produces a local anesthetic effect on the lips, tongue, and other mucous membranes. The pure material is a moderate irritant to the skin and eyes. In animal studies, a 10% v/v solution was not irritant to rabbit skin and a 2% v/v solution was not irritant to the rabbit eye. Long-term exposure to phenoxyethanol may result in CNS toxic effects similar to other organic solvents. 

Hanninen H, Eskelinen L, Husman K, Nurminen M. Behavioral effects of long-term exposure to a mixture of organic solvents. Scand J Work Environ Health 1976 4 240-55. 

Musculoskeletal diseases that are triggered by exposures to xenobiotics include connective tissue and bone moieties. These effects are generally observed after long-term exposures to toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and organic solvents. The long periods of time following initial exposure until the onset of symptoms complicates the study of chemically... 

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