A FEW WORDS ABOUT ORGANIC SOLVENTS
Wayland McKenzie and Mary Andersen
Occupational Medicine, UMC
There is increasing concern about long term or permanent damage to the
nervous system from using even small amounts of organic solvents. Such
solvents can be as simple as methanol used for paint thinner or as
complicated as styrene, whose many uses include fiberglass
manufacturing and carpet bonding material. Neurologists have reported
that painters with ten years of experience have shown nervous system
damage from using solvents below the OSHA mandated exposure levels and
with the recommended ventilation. Symptoms are often increased with
alcohol use. One man with a history of alcohol and drug abuse became
psychotic whenever he worked with styrene. Another man had an intense
change of personality after an exposure to polyethylene glycol at his
dry cleaning business.
Other symptoms of exposure to organic solvents are typically
headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, progressing with greater
exposure to depression, memory loss, and measurable changes in
behavior. Electroencephalograms have been found to differ for people
exposed to styrene.
Anyone who has to work with solvents should be especially careful to
avoid breathing the fumes and avoid skin contact as much as possible.
If it is necessary to use organic solvents daily, wear a special
respirator mask made for organic solvents, and wear impermeable gloves
when skin contact might otherwise occur.
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