Handbook of Solvents - George Wypych - ChemTech - Ventech!

18.3 Indoor air pollution by solvents 1245
clinical polyneuropathy in spray painters exposed mainly to methyl n-butyl ketone as described
by Mallov. 38 Furthermore, slight neurological impairments of car and industry
painters was noted by Elofsson et al. 29 and Maizlish et al. 39 and in house painters by
Askergren et al. 36 Nevertheless, no similar effects were described in other studies. 42,43 In
particular, no effects on the peripheral nervous system were reported in workers using water-based
paints. 36
Inconsistent results were reported for severe diseases of the central nervous system
(neuropsychiatric diseases, encephalopathy) for painters and other persons exposed to solvents.
42-44,47
Environmental exposure to organic solvents is supposed to be one cause of multiple
chemical sensitivity which characterizes neuropsychological disorders. Organic solvents
from paints seem to play a role. 45,46 The relevant exposure characteristics (dose, time, possible
dose-response relationship) are also discussed. 45
18.3.4.2.3 Carcinogenic effects
Various solvents which occur in paints and varnishes exhibit a carcinogenic potential. Benzene
and all isomers of dinitrobenzenes are particular examples (see also Chapter 20.1).
This was confirmed by several extensive studies of occupational exposures in paint manufacturing
plants and in painters. 25 These data show the risk of contracting cancer to be about
20% above the national average.
In many studies, increased risks were described mainly for lung cancer (about 40%
above the national average), leukemia, bladder cancer, liver cancer, and childhood cancers
where there has been parental exposure. 25
In a meta-analysis using standardized mortality ratios the relationship between painting
exposure 48 and cancer mortality showed the highest risks for leukemia and liver cancer.
Elevated risks were also predicted for lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer and
bladder cancer. The development of leukemia, especially in the case of benzene mixed with
other organic solvents, being most prominent and the development of lung cancer (main
risks being lead chromate and asbestos) to a lesser degree.
It should be noted, however, that more critical risk factors such as smoking and alcohol
can obscure such correlations.
Although high risks for cancer resulting from occupational exposures were mentioned,
no significant information concerning the occupation of painted rooms could be
noted. This area has been inadequately studied.
As mentioned above, lung cancer is a major concern. Painters, as opposed to those involved
in paint manufacture were shown to be at greatest risk for contracting lung cancer.
25,48 In fact, there was no evidence of increased risk in persons involved in the manufacture
of paints. 25,49
Other cancers of the respiratory tract are documented also, e.g., cancer of the nasal
cavity, 50 pleural mesothelioma with high incidences in painters and paper-hangers 51 and
cancers of the larynx. 52
The evidence of several types of leukemia is convincing with regard to occupational
exposures to paints and solvents. 25,48 Increased risks for contracting other haematopoietic
neoplasmas 25
such as Hodgkin´s disease, 53 non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma, 54 multiple
myeloma, 55 reticulum-cell sarcoma and lymphosarcoma 56 were also reported. Probably all
neoplasmas were caused mainly by organic solvents. Some former studies, however, included
solvents which are rarely used now, especially benzene. 25