Solvent exposures halogenated hydrocarbons

As can be appreciated, solvents possess a wide variety of chemical and physical properties. Because of this diversity there are many different health effects associated with excessive exposure to solvents. While acute renal failure has been documented following exposure to halogenated hydrocarbons [2], glycols [3] and aromatic hydrocarbons, those attributed to light petroleum hydrocarbon exposure are restricted to isolated clinical case reports [4]. More important, but less well proven, is the role of organic solvents in the development or progression of glomerulonephritis or other types of renal diseases. 

Volatile organic solvents that are commonly used in adhesives, paints, and cleaners, including aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, and alcohols, act as depressants. Exposure to these can result in motor impairment, behavioral changes, and adverse effects on sensory perception. El Table 18.2 contains a partial list of neurotoxic volatile organic chemicals. 

Effects Solvents are potent CNS depressants. The acute effects of excessive exposure are nausea, vertigo, locomotor disturbances, headache, and coma. Chronic exposure to halogenated hydrocarbons leads to both hepatic dysfunction and nephrotoxicity. Long-term exposure to tetrachloroethylene—or to trichloroethane—has caused peripheral neuropathy. 

Causes of acute chemical hepatitis include exposure to industrial solvents such as halogenated hydrocarbons (methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and trichloroethane) carbon tetrachloride (only rarely encountered in modem industry) and dimethylformamide, dinitropropane, and di-methylacetamide. The jet and rocket fuel components hydrazine and monomethylhydrazine are also potent hepatotoxins. 

It is rather unlikely that potentially toxic envirotunental solvent exposures, e. g., benzene or halogenated hydrocarbons, can be prevented in the near future. 

Chloroform is a halogenated hydrocarbon used previously as an anesthetic agent and a general industrial solvent. Short-term exposure has adverse health effects, such... 

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