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Document ID (ISN)58980
CIS number 92-1949
ISSN - Serial title 0271-3586 - American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Year 1992
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Houck P., Nebel D., Milham S.
Title Organic solvent encephalopathy - An old hazard revisited
Bibliographic information July 1992, Vol.22, No.1, p.109-115. 24 ref.
Abstract This report describes neurological and respiratory symptoms among 26 engineers and contract labourers who used organic solvents and detergents to remove polychlorinated biphenyl contamination from a poorly ventilated factory basement. Neurological symptoms included persistent central nervous system deficits; these developed in one worker after only three days. Respiratory symptoms included cough that persisted for more than two years. Labourers were more likely to report symptoms than were engineers. Appropriate ventilation or respirator use might have prevented the workers' morbidity. This incident serves as a reminder that organic solvent-related occupational illness continues to occur despite worker-health regulations and knowledge of preventive measures.
Descriptors (primary) dibenzofurans; dioxins; exposure evaluation; organic solvents; encephalopathy
Descriptors (secondary) neurotoxic effects; detergents; epidemiologic study; biphenyl; symptoms; respiratory system
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Toxic and dangerous substances
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Diseases of the nervous system
Heterocyclic compounds
Exposure evaluation