Short duration exposures to organic solvents: the relationship between neurobehavioral test results and other indicators

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988 · Neurotoxicol. Teratol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0892-0362(88)90065-7· OSTI ID:7194739

Dick, R B

Short duration exposure to solvents at even low concentrations can induce signs of mild toxicity such as mucous membrane irritation, tearing, nasal irritation, headache, and nausea. These irritant effects are often used as warning properties for potential solvent toxicities and have frequently been classified in the literature as pre-narcotic effects. With higher exposures the toxic effects are more pronounced and can include intoxication, incoordination, exhilaration, sleepiness, stupor, and the beginning stages of anesthesia. Collectively these effects are taken as indicators of narcosis. Offering recommendations for safe exposure limits for these shorter term exposures is made difficult because, (1) the mild toxic effects are often reported subjectively and tolerance usually develops, (2) the solvent concentration(s) cannot be documented in all cases, and (3) the effects are reversible when individuals are removed from exposure. Laboratory experiments involving controlled exposures to solvents using neurobehavioral performance tests represent one form of investigation that can provide meaningful information in this instance. The results can be viewed in two ways with reference to issues of safe exposure limits. One is to ensure that performance functions that can compromise safety are not affected by the exposure limits prescribed. The second is to consider performance changes due to short-term exposures as possible precursors of similar but more severe effects given longer term exposures. Thus, setting exposure limits to protect against these performance changes could possibly prevent the development of more serious cases of chronic solvent neurotoxicity.

• Research Organization: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7194739
• Journal Information: Neurotoxicol. Teratol.; (United States), Vol. 10:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
TOXICITY
BEHAVIOR
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
MAN
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
MUCOUS MEMBRANES
ANIMALS
MAMMALS
MEMBRANES
PRIMATES
SAFETY STANDARDS
SOLVENTS
STANDARDS
VERTEBRATES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology