Solvent exposures associated with

Since the concern of this monograph is teratogens, the effects of chemicals on sperm and male reproduction are not dealt with. However, for readers interested in the latter a recent review article by Schrag and Dixon, "Occupational Exposures Associated with Male Reproductive Dysfunction" (ref. 20)is recommended. Chapters on various aspects of male reproductive toxicology and on sperm production of men working under heavy-metal or organic-solvent exposure are presented by Hemminki et al. (ref. 19). 

Exposure to organic solvents is associated with an increased risk of hematological malignancies (see below, under Tumorigenicity). 

Carbon Tetrachloride Carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) was widely used as a dry cleaning solvent until its potential as a hepatotoxicant, nephrotoxicant, and carcinogen was recognized. Currently, carbon tetrachloride is used as an organic solvent. Nephrotoxicity associated with dermal or inhalation exposure to carbon tetrachloride is seen as acute tubular necrosis which is delayed in onset. Death occurs from acute renal failure, usually within three weeks of intoxication. Interestingly, humans appear to be more sensitive to acute carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity than most animal models. 

The overall ORs of 1.25 indicates that maternal inhalational occupational exposure to organic solvents is associated with a tendency towards a small increased risk for spontaneous abortion. The addition of one study of similar effect size would have rendered this trend statistically significant. 

The concept of steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver) is a common one for looking at the effect of solvents (those which are known to be toxic to the liver). The fat accumulation is the result of abnormal transport of lipids and as a result, accumulation of lipids in the liver. Therefore clinically industrial exposure to hepatotoxic solvents is associated with liver steatosis, among others. 

We concluded that in utero exposure to organic solvents is associated with poorer performance on some specific subtle measures of neurocognitive function, language, and behavior. Reducing exposure in pregnancy is merited until more refined risk assessment is possible. Further studies that address exposure to specific solvents, dose, and gestational timing of exposure are needed. 

The effects of occupational exposure to lindane have been investigated extensively (96—100). These studies indicated that occupational exposure to lindane resulted in increased body burdens of this chemical however, toxic effects associated with these exposures were minimal and no central nervous system disorders were observed. This is in contrast to the polyneuropathies that are often observed after exposure to other haloorganic solvents. 

The material is impact-sensitive when dry and is supplied and stored damp with ethanol. It is used as a saturated solution and it is important to prevent total evaporation, or the slow growth of large crystals which may become dried and shock-sensitive. Lead drains must not be used, to avoid formation of the detonator, lead azide. Exposure to acid conditions may generate explosive hydrazoic acid [1], It has been stated that barium azide is relatively insensitive to impact but highly sensitive to friction [2], Strontium, and particularly calcium azides show much more marked explosive properties than barium azide. The explosive properties appear to be closely associated with the method of formation of the azide [3], Factors which affect the sensitivity of the azide include surface area, solvent used and ageing. Presence of barium metal, sodium or iron ions as impurities increases the sensitivity [4], Though not an endothermic compound (AH°f —22.17 kJ/mol, 0.1 kj/g), it may thermally decompose to barium nitride, rather than to the elements, when a considerable exotherm is produced (98.74 kJ/mol, 0.45 kJ/g of azide) [5]. 

Cardiovascular Effects. In a cohort mortality study of workers in a large rubber and tire manufacturing plant, Wilcosky and Tyroler (1983) found a significant increase in mortality from ischemic heart disease in phenol exposed workers. Of the 25 solvents used in the plant, phenol exposure showed the strongest association with mortality from heart disease, greater even than that observed for exposure to carbon disulfide, the only known occupational cause of atherosclerosis. 

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