Solvent exposures genetic susceptibility

Connective tissue disorders such as SSc, LE, Sjogren s syndrome, dermatomyositis and RA can be induced by occupational exposure to silica, solvents, and other chemical offenders. An enhanced genetic susceptibility seems to favor these disorders. SSc is the most frequent and best-studied disease. While silica precipitates SSc, the other offenders induce scleroderma-like diseases with different clinical and laboratory findings than with SSc. Taking a careful case history of patients with SSc will help to identify the occupational causes. The best way to prevent this type of connective tissue disease is to minimize the exposure to occupational substances. However, efforts in the form of individual expert decisions have to be made in order to acknowledge these disorders as occupational diseases and provide some social and financial support to patients and reduce the harm caused by these disorders. 

A susceptible population will exhibit a different or enhanced response to Stoddard solvent than will most persons exposed to the same level of Stoddard solvent in the environment. Reasons include genetic make-up, developmental stage, health and nutritional status, and chemical exposure history. 

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