Organic Solvents Differential Diagnoses

  • Author: Jonathan S Rutchik, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Tarakad S Ramachandran, MBBS, FRCP(C), FACP   more...
 
Updated: Apr 4, 2012
 
 

Differential Diagnoses

Proceed to Workup
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Jonathan S Rutchik, MD, MPH  Clinical Professor, Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Neurology, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine

Jonathan S Rutchik, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and Society of Toxicology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Roberta J Seidman, MD  Associate Professor of Clinical Pathology, Stony Brook University; Director of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University Medical Center

Roberta J Seidman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuropathologists, New York Association of Neuropathologists (The Neuroplex), and Suffolk County Society of Pathologists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Glenn Lopate, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine; Director of Neurology Clinic, St Louis ConnectCare; Consulting Staff, Department of Neurology, Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Glenn Lopate, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Baxter Grant/research funds Other; Amgen Grant/research funds None

Selim R Benbadis, MD  Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine

Selim R Benbadis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: UCB Pharma Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Lundbeck Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Cyberonics Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Glaxo Smith Kline Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Sleepmed/DigiTrace Honoraria Speaking, consulting

Chief Editor

Tarakad S Ramachandran, MBBS, FRCP(C), FACP  Professor of Neurology, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University; Chair, Department of Neurology, Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital

Tarakad S Ramachandran, MBBS, FRCP(C), FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Pain Medicine, American College of Forensic Examiners, American College of International Physicians, American College of Managed Care Medicine, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Royal College of Surgeons of England, and Royal Society of Medicine

Disclosure: Abbott Labs None None; Teva Marion None None; Boeringer-Ingelheim Honoraria Speaking and teaching

References

  1. Orsi L, Monnereau A, Dananche B, Berthou C, Fenaux P, Marit G, et al. Occupational exposure to organic solvents and lymphoid neoplasms in men: results of a French case-control study. Occup Environ Med. Oct 2010;67(10):664-72. [Medline].

  2. Gargouri I, Khadhraoui M, Nisse C, Leroyer A, Masmoudi ML, Frimat P, et al. A case study on co-exposure to a mixture of organic solvents in a Tunisian adhesive-producing company. J Occup Med Toxicol. Nov 14 2011;6:28. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  3. Fatal exposure to methylene chloride among bathtub refinishers - United States, 2000-2011. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Feb 24 2012;61(7):119-22. [Medline].

  4. Page EH, Pajeau AK, Arnold TC, et al. Peripheral neuropathy in workers exposed to nitromethane. Am J Ind Med. Jul 2001;40(1):107-13. [Medline].

  5. Feldman RG, Ratner MH, Ptak T. Chronic toxic encephalopathy in a painter exposed to mixed solvents. Environ Health Perspect. May 1999;107(5):417-22. [Medline].

  6. Kelsall H, Macdonell R, Sim M, et al. Neurological status of Australian veterans of the 1991 Gulf War and the effectof medical and chemical exposures. Int J Epidemiol. Aug 2005;34(4):810-9. [Medline].

  7. Longstreth WT. Central nervous system disorders, neurological and psychological disorders. In: Rosenstock L, Cullen MR, eds. Textbook of Clinical, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1994.

  8. LaDou J. Approach to the diagnosis of the occupational illness. In: LaDou J, ed. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Lange Medical. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1997.

  9. Mattia CJ, Adams JD Jr, Bondy SC. Free radical induction in the brain and liver by products of toluene catabolism. Biochem Pharmacol. Jul 6 1993;46(1):103-10. [Medline].

  10. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 1999.

  11. Current Intelligence Bulletin 48. Organic solvent neurotoxicity. March 31, 1987. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/87104_48.html.

  12. Aaserud O, Hommeren OJ, Tvedt B, et al. Carbon disulfide exposure and neurotoxic sequelae among viscose rayon workers. Am J Ind Med. 1990;18(1):25-37. [Medline].

  13. Fontenot AP, Pelak VS. Development of neurologic symptoms in a 26-year-old woman following recoveryfrom methanol intoxication. Chest. Oct 2002;122(4):1436-9. [Medline].

  14. Aydin K, Sencer S, Demir T, et al. Cranial MR findings in chronic toluene abuse by inhalation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. Aug 2002;23(7):1173-9. [Medline].

  15. Finkelstein Y, Vardi J. Progressive parkinsonism in a young experimental physicist following long-term exposure to methanol. Neurotoxicology. Oct 2002;23(4-5):521-5. [Medline].

  16. Callender TJ, Morrow L, Subramanian K, et al. Three-dimensional brain metabolic imaging in patients with toxic encephalopathy. Environ Res. Feb 1993;60(2):295-319. [Medline].

  17. Gross JA, Haas ML, Swift TR. Ethylene oxide neurotoxicity: report of four cases and review of the literature. Neurology. Jul 1979;29(7):978-83. [Medline].

  18. Ruijten MW, Salle HJ, Verberk MM. Verification of effects on the nervous system of low level occupational exposure to CS2. Br J Ind Med. Apr 1993;50(4):301-7. [Medline].

  19. Johnson BL, Boyd J, Burg JR, et al. Effects on the peripheral nervous system of workers' exposure to carbon disulfide. Neurotoxicology. 1983;4(1):53-65. [Medline].

  20. Chen JK, Wu MS, Yang CW, et al. Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with minimal change glomerulopathy and tubular dysfunction - related to acetone-based organic solvent?. Am J Nephrol. Sep-Dec 2002;22(5-6):560-5. [Medline].

  21. Jovanic JM, Jovanovich MM, Spasic MJ. Peripheral nerve conduction study in workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents in the paint and lacquer industry. Croat Med J. 2004;45:769-74.

  22. Feldman RG. Neurotoxic effects of trichloroethylene in drinking water. In: Isaacson RL, Jensen KF, eds. The Vulnerable Brain and Environmental Risks. Toxins in Air and Water. Vol 3. New York, NY: Plenum; 1994.

  23. Lee CR, Jeong KS, Kim Y, et al. Neurobehavioral changes of shipyard painters exposed to mixed organic solvents. Ind Health. Apr 2005;43(2):320-6. [Medline].

  24. Rosenberg NL, Grigsby J, Dreisbach J, et al. Neuropsychologic impairment and MRI abnormalities associated with chronic solvent abuse. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2002;40(1):21-34. [Medline].

  25. Lacerda EM, Lima MG, Rodrigues AR, Teixeira CE, de Lima LJ, Ventura DF, et al. Psychophysical evaluation of achromatic and chromatic vision of workers chronically exposed to organic solvents. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:784390. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  26. Sugimoto K, Goto S, Kanda S, et al. Studies on angiopathy due to carbon disulfide. Retinopathy and index of exposure dosages. Scand J Work Environ Health. Jun 1978;4(2):151-8. [Medline].

  27. Karai I, Sugimoto K, Goto S. A case comparison study of carbon disulfide retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy using fluorescein fundus angiography. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh). Dec 1983;61(6):1074-86. [Medline].

  28. Kuzuhara S, Kanazawa I, Nakanishi T, Egashira T. Ethylene oxide polyneuropathy. Neurology. Mar 1983;33(3):377-80. [Medline].

  29. Gottfried MR, Graham DG, Morgan M, et al. The morphology of carbon disulfide neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology. Winter 1985;6(4):89-96. [Medline].

  30. Vaktskjold A, Talykova LV, Nieboer E. Congenital anomalies in newborns to women employed in jobs with frequent exposure to organic solvents--a register-based prospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. Oct 27 2011;11:83. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  31. Iregren A. Effects on human performance from acute and chronic exposure to organic solvents: a short review. Toxicology. May 1988;49(2-3):349-58. [Medline].

  32. Bolla K, Roca R. Neuropsychiatric sequelae of occupational exposure to neurotoxins. In: Bleeker ML, Hansen JA, eds. Occupational Neurology and Clinical Neurotoxicology. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 1994.

  33. Cassitto MG. Organic solvents and the nervous system. In: de Wolff FA, ed. Vinken and Bruyn's Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Part I. Intoxications of the Nervous System. Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Elsevier; 1994.

  34. Dick RB. Neurobehavioral assessment of occupationally relevant solvents and chemicals in humans. In: Chang LW, ed. Handbook of Neurotoxicology. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 1995.

  35. Rosenberg NL. Neurotoxicity of organic solvents. In: Rosenberg NL, ed. Occupational and Environmental Neurology. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinman; 1995.

  36. White RF, Proctor SP. Clinico-neuropsychological assessment methods in behavioral neurotoxicology. In: Chang L, ed. Neurotoxicology: Approaches and Methods. San Diego, CA: Academic Press; 1995.

  37. Fiedler N. Neuropsychological approaches for the detection and evaluation of toxic symptoms. Environ Health Perspect. Apr 1996;104 Suppl 2:239-45. [Medline].

  38. Altmann L, Bottger A, Wiegand H. Neurophysiological and psychophysical measurements reveal effects of acute low-level organic solvent exposure in humans. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1990;62(7):493-9. [Medline].

  39. Altmann L, Neuhann HF, Kramer U, et al. Neurobehavioral and neurophysiological outcome of chronic low-level tetrachloroethene exposure measured in neighborhoods of dry cleaning shops. Environ Res. May 1995;69(2):83-9. [Medline].

  40. Astrand I. Uptake of solvents in the blood and tissues of man. A review. Scand J Work Environ Health. Dec 1975;1(4):199-218. [Medline].

  41. Barret L, Torch S, Usson Y, et al. A morphometric evaluation of the effects of trichloroethylene and dichloroacetylene on the rat mental nerve. Preliminary results. Neurosci Lett. Oct 14 1991;131(2):141-44. [Medline].

  42. Broadwell DK, Darcey DJ, Hudnell HK, et al. Work-site clinical and neurobehavioral assessment of solvent-exposed microelectronics workers. Am J Ind Med. May 1995;27(5):677-98. [Medline].

  43. Cavalleri A, Gobba F, Paltrinieri M, et al. Perchloroethylene exposure can induce colour vision loss. Neurosci Lett. Sep 26 1994;179(1-2):162-6. [Medline].

  44. CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. n-Hexane–related peripheral neuropathy among automotive technicians: California,1999-2000. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Nov 16 2001;50(45):1011-3. [Medline].

  45. Cherry N, Gautrin D. Neurotoxic effects of styrene: further evidence. Br J Ind Med. Jan 1990;47(1):29-37. [Medline].

  46. Corsi G, Maestrelli P, Picotti G, et al. Chronic peripheral neuropathy in workers with previous exposure to carbon disulphide. Br J Ind Med. May 1983;40(2):209-11. [Medline].

  47. Feldman RG. Recognizing the chemically exposed person and approach to diagnosis. In: Feldman RG, ed. Neurotoxicology. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Raven; 1999.

  48. Feldman RG, Lessell S. Neuroophthalmological aspects of trichloroethylene intoxication. In: Brunette J, ed. Progress in Neuroophthalmology. Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 1969.

  49. Feldman RG, Niles C, Proctor SP, Jabre J. Blink reflex measurement of effects of trichloroethylene exposure on the trigeminal nerve. Muscle Nerve. Apr 1992;15(4):490-5. [Medline].

  50. Filley CM, Heaton RK, Rosenberg NL. White matter dementia in chronic toluene abuse. 1990 Mar. 1990;40(3 Pt 1):532-4. [Medline].

  51. Fornazzari L, Wilkinson DA, Kapur BM, Carlen PL. Cerebellar, cortical and functional impairment in toluene abusers. Acta Neurol Scand. Jun 1983;67(6):319-29. [Medline].

  52. Freed DM, Kandel E. Long-term occupational exposure and the diagnosis of dementia. Neurotoxicology. Fall 1988;9(3):391-400. [Medline].

  53. Frumkin H. Multiple system atrophy following chronic carbon disulfide exposure. Environ Health Perspect. Sep 1998;106(9):611-3. [Medline].

  54. Garnier R, Bedouin J, Pepin G, Gaillard Y. Coin-operated dry cleaning machines may be responsible for acute tetrachloroethylene poisoning: report of 26 cases including one death. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1996;34(2):191-7. [Medline].

  55. Gobba F, Galassi C, Imbriani M, et al. Acquired dyschromatopsia among styrene-exposed workers. J Occup Med. Jul 1991;33(7):761-5. [Medline].

  56. Graham DG, Amarnath V, Valentine WM, et al. Pathogenetic studies of hexane and carbon disulfide neurotoxicity. Crit Rev Toxicol. 1995;25(2):91-112. [Medline].

  57. Herd PA, Martin HF. Effect of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on mitochondrial metabolism. Biochem Pharmacol. Jun 15 1975;24(11-12):1179-85. [Medline].

  58. Hormes JT, Filley CM, Rosenberg NL. Neurologic sequelae of chronic solvent vapor abuse. Neurology. May 1986;36(5):698-702. [Medline].

  59. Ikeda M. Public health problems of organic solvents. Toxicol Lett. Dec 1992;64-65:Spec No:191-201. [Medline].

  60. Juntunen J, Hernberg S, Eistola P, Hupli V. Exposure to industrial solvents and brain atrophy. A retrospective study of pneumoencephalographic findings among 37 patients with exposure to industrial solvents. Eur Neurol. 1980;19(6):366-75. [Medline].

  61. Keane JR. Toluene optic neuropathy. Ann Neurol. Oct 1978;4(4):390. [Medline].

  62. Kyrklund T, Kjellstrand P, Haglid KG. Lipid composition and fatty acid pattern of the gerbil brain after exposure to perchloroethylene. Arch Toxicol. Jul 1987;60(5):397-400. [Medline].

  63. Landrigan PJ, Kominsky JR, Kominsky JR, et al. Common-source community and industrial exposure to trichloroethylene. Arch Environ Health. Nov-Dec 1987;42(6):327-32. [Medline].

  64. Lilis R, Lorimer WV, Diamond S, Selikoff IJ. Neurotoxicity of styrene in production and polymerization workers. Environ Res. Feb 1978;15(1):133-8. [Medline].

  65. Logue JN, Stroman RM, Reid D, et al. Investigation of potential health effects associated with well water chemical contamination in Londonderry Township, Pennsylvania, USA. Arch Environ Health. May-Jun 1985;40(3):155-60. [Medline].

  66. Matsuoka M, Igisu H, Inoue N, et al. Inhibition of creatine kinase activity by ethylene oxide. Br J Ind Med. Jan 1990;47(1):44-7. [Medline].

  67. McKenna MJ, DiStefano V. Carbon disulfide, I: the metabolism of inhaled carbon disulfide in the rat. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. Aug 1977;202(2):245-52. [Medline].

  68. Melgaard B. Chronic toxic encephalopathy in styrene exposed workers. 3rd Industrial and Environmental Neurology Congress. Prague 25-28th June 1979 [abstracts]. Act Nerv Super (Praha). Dec 1979;21(4):244-303. [Medline].

  69. Mergler D, Blain L. Assessing color vision loss among solvent-exposed workersx. Am J Ind Med. 1987;12(2):195-203. [Medline].

  70. Mergler D, Huel G, Bowler R, et al. Visual dysfunction among former microelectronics assembly workers. Arch Environ Health. Nov-Dec 1991;46(6):326-34. [Medline].

  71. Moslen MT, Reynolds ES, Szabo S. Enhancement of the metabolism and hepatotoxicity of trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. Biochem Pharmacol. Mar 1 1977;26(5):369-75. [Medline].

  72. Patel JM, Harper C, Drew RT. The biotransformation of p-xylene to a toxic aldehyde. Drug Metab Dispos. Jul-Aug 1978;6(4):368-74. [Medline].

  73. Raitta C, Teir H, Tolonen M, et al. Impaired color discrimination among viscose rayon workers exposed to carbon disulfide. J Occup Med. Mar 1981;23(3):189-92. [Medline].

  74. Rosen I, Haeger-Aronsen B, Rehnstrom S, Welinder H. Neurophysiological observations after chronic styrene exposure. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1978;4 Suppl 2:184-94. [Medline].

  75. Rosenberg J, Cone J, Katz E. Solvents. In: LaDou J, ed. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Lange Medical. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1997.

  76. Ruijten MW, Hooisma J, Brons JT, et al. Neurobehavioral effects of long-term exposure to xylene and mixed organic solvents in shipyard spray painters. Neurotoxicology. Fall 1994;15(3):613-20. [Medline].

  77. Savic SM. Influence of carbon disulfide on the eye. Arch Environ Health. Feb 1967;14(2):325-6. [Medline].

  78. Schaumburg HH, Spencer PS. Environmental hydrocarbons produce degeneration in cat hypothalamus and optic tract. Science. Jan 13 1978;199(4325):199-200. [Medline].

  79. Schroder JM, Hoheneck M, Weis J, Deist H. Ethylene oxide polyneuropathy: clinical follow-up study with morphometric and electron microscopic findings in a sural nerve biopsy. J Neurol. 1985;232(2):83-90. [Medline].

  80. Seppalainen AM. Neurotoxicity of styrene in occupational and experimental exposure. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1978;4 Suppl 2:181-3. [Medline].

  81. Seppalainen AM, Antti-Poika M. Time course of electrophysiological findings for patients with solvent poisoning. A descriptive study. Scand J Work Environ Health. Feb 1983;9(1):15-24. [Medline].

  82. Seppalainen AM, Husman K, Martenson C. Neurophysiological effects of long-term exposure to a mixture of organic solvents. Scand J Work Environ Health. Dec 1978;4(4):304-14. [Medline].

  83. Seppalainen AM, Laine A, Salmi T, et al. Electroencephalographic findings during experimental human exposure to m-xylene. Arch Environ Health. Jan-Feb 1991;46(1):16-24. [Medline].

  84. Seppalainen AM, Lindstrom K, Martelin T. Neurophysiological and psychological picture of solvent poisoning. Am J Ind Med. 1980;1(1):31-42. [Medline].

  85. Seppalainen AM, Raitta C, Huuskonen MS. n-Hexane-induced changes in visual evoked potentials and electroretinograms of industrial workers. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. Oct 1979;47(4):492-8. [Medline].

  86. Snyder RS, Andrews LS. Toxic effects of solvents and vapors. In: Klassen's Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 5th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1996.

  87. So Y. Neurotoxicology. In: LaDou J, ed. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2nd ed. Lange; 1997.

  88. St Clair MB, Anthony DC, Wikstrand CJ, Graham DG. Neurofilament protein crosslinking in gamma-diketone neuropathy: in vitro and in vivo studies using the seaworm myxicola infundibulum. Neurotoxicology. 1989;10(4):743-56. [Medline].

  89. Stanosz S, Kuligowski D, Pieleszek A, et al. Concentration of dopamine in plasma, activity of dopamine beta-hydroxylase in serum and urinary excretion of free catecholamines and vanillylmandelic acid in women chronically exposed to carbon disulphide. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 1994;7(3):257-61. [Medline].

  90. Urban P, Lukas E. Visual evoked potentials in rotogravure printers exposed to toluene. Br J Ind Med. Dec 1990;47(12):819-23. [Medline].

  91. Vrca A, Bozicevic D, Karacic V, et al. Visual evoked potentials in individuals exposed to long-term low concentrations of toluene. Arch Toxicol. 1995;69(5):337-40. [Medline].

  92. Wegman DH, Levy BS, Halperin WE. Recognizing occupational disease. In: Levy BS, Wegman DH, eds. Occupational Health. 3rd ed. Boston, MA: Little Brown & Company; 1994.

  93. Williams JM, Howe NR. Benzyl alcohol attenuates the pain of lidocaine injections and prolongs anesthesia. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. Nov 1994;20(11):730-3. [Medline].

 
Previous
Next
 
Table 1. Organic Solvents and Their Common Industrial Uses
CompoundIndustrial Uses
AcetoneCleaning solvent
AcrylamideMining and tunneling, adhesives, waste treatment, ore processing
BenzeneFuel, detergents, paint removers, manufacture of other solvents
Carbon disulfideViscose rayon, explosives, paints, preservatives, textiles, rubber cement, varnishes, electroplating
Ethylene oxide (ETO)Instrument sterilization
N- hexaneGlues and vegetable extraction, components of naphtha, lacquers, metal cleaning compounds
Hydrogen sulfideSulfur chemical manufacturing, by-product of petroleum processing, decay of organic matter
MethaneIndustrial settings
Methyl mercaptanOdorant in natural gas and fuels
Methyl-N- butyl ketoneMany industrial uses
Methylene chloride (dichloromethane)Solvent, refrigerant, propellant
OrganochlorineInsecticides
OrganophosphatesInsecticides
PCEDry cleaning, degreaser, textile industry
StyreneFiberglass component, ship building
ToluenePaint, fuel oil, cleaning agents, lacquers, paints and paint thinners
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (methyl chloroform)Degreaser and propellant
TCECleaning agent, paint component, decaffeination, rubber solvents, varnish
Vinyl chlorideIntermediate for polyvinylchloride resins for plastics, floor coverings, upholstery, appliances, packaging
XylenePaint, lacquers, varnishes, inks, dyes, adhesives, cements, fixative for pathologic specimens
Table 2. Exposure levels Believed Safe for Workers
CompoundUrineBloodExpired Air
AcetoneAcetone, formic acid 100 mg/LAcetoneAcetone
BenzeneTotal phenol 50 mg/g at the end of the shift, trans-trans- muconic acidBenzeneBenzene before shift, 0.08 ppm; end exhaled, 0.12 ppm
Carbon disulfide2-TTCA 5 mg/g*Carbon disulfideCarbon disulfide
ETONoneNoneNone
N- hexane2,5-hexanediol 5 mg/g at the end of the shift, 2-hexanol, total metabolitesN- hexaneN- hexane
Hydrogen sulfideNoneNoneNone
MethaneNoneNoneNone
Methyl mercaptanNoneNoneNone
MethanolFormic acid 80 mg/g at the start of the work week, methanol 15 mg/g at the end of the shiftNoneMethanol
Methyl-N- butyl ketoneNone2,5-hexane dioneNone
Methylene chlorideNoneMeCl2MeCl2
OrganochlorineNoneNoneNone
OrganophosphatesNoneNoneNone
PCEPCE, trichloroacetic acidPCE 1 mg/LPCE 10 ppm before the last shift of the week
StyreneEnd of the shift: mandelic acid (MA) 800 mg, phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA) 240 mg/g)



Before shift: MA 300 mg/g or PGA 100 mg/g



Styrene 0.02 mg/L at the start of the shift, 0.55 mg/L at the end of the shiftNone
TolueneHippuric acidTolueneToluene
1,1,1-Trichlorethane (methyl chloroform)TCA 10 mg/L at the end of the work week; total trichloroethanol at the end of the shift and at the end of the work week, 30 mg/L Total trichloroethanol 1 mg/LMethyl chloroform 40 ppm before the last shift of the work week
TCETCE, TCA 100 mg/g at the end of the work week or TCA plus trichloroethanol 300 mg/gTCE at the end of the work week 4 mg/LTCE
Vinyl chlorideNoneNoneNone
XyleneMethylhippuric acid 1.5 g/g at the end of the shiftXyleneXylene
* TTCA - 2-thiothiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid.
Table 3. Recommended Exposure Limits, Organic Solvents
Compoundppm, mg/m,3
OSHA PEL as TWAsNIOSH REL as TWAs, IDLHACGIH TLV, STEL
Acetone1000 (2400)250 (590), 2500750 (1780) ceiling, 1000 (2380)
Acrylamide0.3(0.03), 60 level for carcinogenicityNone
Benzene10, 25 ceiling, 50 for 10 min0.1, STEL 1, 50010 (32)
Carbon disulfide20, 30, 100 for 30 min1 (3), 10 STEL (30), 50010 (31)
ETO< 0.1, < 0.18, 5 ceiling, 8001 (1.8)
N- hexane500 (1800)50 (180), 110050 (176)
Hydrogen sulfide20 ceiling, 50 for 10 min once only10 ceiling, (15) for 10 min, 100None
Methyl mercaptan10 ceiling (20)0.5 ceiling, (1) for 15 min, 150None
Methanol200 (260)200 (260), 250 STEL (325), 6000262 (200), 328 (250)
Methyl-n- butyl ketone100 (410)None5 (20)
Methylene chloride25, 15 STEL for 15 min2300 level for carcinogenicity50 (174) ceiling
Perchloroethylene100, 200 ceiling, 300 for 5 min in 3 h150 level for carcinogenicity25 (170), 100 (685)
Styrene100, 200 ceiling, 600 for 5 min in 3 h50 (215), 100 ST (425), 70050 (213), 100 (428)
Toluene200, 300, 500 for 10 min100 (375), 150 STEL (560), 50050 (188)
1,1,1-Trichlorethane (methyl chloroform)350 (1900)Ceiling 350 (1900) for 15 min, 700350 (1910), 450 (2460)
Trichloroethylene100, 200 ceiling, 300 for 5 min in 2 h1000 level for carcinogenicity50 (269), 100 (1070)
Vinyl chloride1, 5 for 15 minNot determinedNone
Xylene100 (435)100 (435), 150 STEL (655)100 (434),150 (651)
Abbreviations—ACGIH = American Congress of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, IDLH = Immediately dangerous to life or health; NIOSH = National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration, PEL = permissible exposure limit, REL = recommended exposure limit; STEL = short-term exposure limit; TWA = time-weighted average.
Previous
Next
 
 
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.