Handbook of Solvents - George Wypych - ChemTech - Ventech!

18.3 Indoor air pollution by solvents 1247
in mortality from chronic obstructive bronchitis of painters was recorded by Engholm and
Englund, 74 but not confirmed in other studies. 25
Histological changes in the nasal mucosa of spray painters were also noted in a study
of Hellquist et al. 75
18.3.4.2.5 Toxic responses of the blood
A case-control study of Guiguet et al. 76 observed an increased risk for aplastic anaemia after
exposure to paints (effective compounds in the paints are unknown), but no increased risk
after exposure to solvents alone. Reduction of blood hemoglobin levels was shown after exposure
to gasoline, car spray paint (xylene) and various solvents (house painters). 25,77,78 An
increased Hb level was noted, however, in a study of car and industrial spray painters. 29
Alterations of several blood components (production of auto-antibodies) and of vascular
endothelial cells were described for workers exposed to hydrocarbon-based paints or
to mixed solvents. 79
Even a group experiencing low exposure (house painters exposed to alkyd paints)
showed hematological changes. Higher platelet counts and higher resistivity calculated
from the the impedance of the whole blood were observed. 73
Some studies showed decreases of thrombocyte counts in car painters and paint industry
workers, other studies, however, recorded no changes. 25 Studies concerning effects of
paints on the white cell and thrombocyte counts were inconsistent. A decrease of white cells
was described in several studies 11 and a lymphocytosis was noted by Angerer and Wulf. 77
Elofsson et al., 29 however, recorded no changes in white cell counts. Additionally,
myelotoxic effects of solvents were shown, especially for benzene.
18.3.4.2.6 Toxic responses of the reproductive system
In interviews with pregnant women, the effects of paints, varnishes and solvents were evaluated.
No effects were found concerning congenital heart disease of infants with Down
Syndrome (trisomie 21). 80 The maternal risk was associated with smoking.
Maternal toluene sniffing used as an organic solvent in acrylic paints, varnishes and
other sources is associated with premature births and, in one case, renal tubular acidosis. 81
Other studies of female painters showed tendencies towards an increase of spontaneous
abortions 82 or infant mortality. 83 Other studies 84 did not confirm these tendencies.
McDowall reported an increase in malformations in children (polydactyly,
syndactyly, spina bifida and anencephalus) whose parents were painters, assemblers or had
related occupations. 83 A study by Olson 85 showed congenital malformations of the central
nervous system for paternal exposure to paints.
18.3.4.2.7 Toxic responses on other organ systems
Contradictory effects of solvents in paints on the kidneys have been described. 25 Lauwerys
et al., for example, have described some solvents used in paints as nephrotoxic (e.g., toluene).
88 Minor effects such as slight hematuria and albuminuria or small effects on the
glomeruli or even no effects were detected in other studies. 25
In some studies of spray painters in the automobile and airplane industries and of
house painters mortality from liver cirrhosis was increased. 25,87 Another study investigating
house painters, however, did not show an increase. 42
There seem to be no increased risk for cardiovascular diseases according to some studies
of paint industry workers. 25,89 Nevertheless, effects of solvents on muscles and vessels
could be shown (e.g., increased serum creatinine levels). 25