Handbook of Solvents - George Wypych - ChemTech - Ventech!

20.1 Toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, and toxicology 1319
Table 20.1.2. Examples for specific effects of selected solvents
Organ-system Solvents Symptoms
Liver
Kidney
Reproductive
system
Hemopoietic
system
Nerval system
halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g., carbon tetrachloride,
tetrachloroethane, chloroform),
ethanol, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene,
bromobenzene, dimethylformamide
halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g., carbon tetrachloride),
toluene, dioxane, diethylene
glycol, ethylene glycol, glycol ethers, conjugates
of trichloroethylene
carbon disulfide, benzene, glycol ethers,
nitrobenzene
benzene metabolites (e.g., benzoquinone,
hydroquinone)
n-hexane, ethanol, styrene,
tetrachloroethylene
Eye methanol impaired vision
Note: the data shown come predominantly from data of occupational exposure.
acute (necrosis, steatosis) and chronic (cirrhosis)
hepatotoxic symptoms
acute tubular necrosis, glomerular and tubular
dysfunctions (e.g., albuminuria,
proteinuria), glomerulonephritis, note: modification
of solvent effects caused by renal
dysfunctions possible
disturbance of menstrual cycle; reduced
sperm counts, embryotoxic effects
marrow depression, myelotoxic effects
peripheral neuropathy (especially distal axons,
axon swelling and degeneration, loss of
sensibility, muscular atrophy, loss of tendon
reflexes)
20.1.2.3 Immunological effects
Various solvents have well-known allergic potentials. Allergic symptoms of the respiratory
tract (rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, asthma), allergic contact dermatitis and conjunctivitis
can be provoked by solvents. The allergic effects of solvents can also contribute to other diseases
such as MCS, autoimmune diseases.
Nowadays, solvents or by-products with allergic potential occur mainly at workplaces
and, to a lesser degree, in consumer products. According to EG regulations, solvent ingredients
of some consumer products, e.g., cosmetic products, must be labeled. It is often difficult
to detect the causative solvent allergen (allergens which cause cross allergies,
secondary products of solvents such as oxygenated terpenes, unknown allergens). Various
specific test systems are available for carrying out individual test diagnoses: e.g., chamber
tests, 48 skin tests such as patch-tests 49 and special applications of biological monitoring.
Solvent-induced allergies can occur at a variety of working sites, e.g., in shoe factories,
50 in electronic industries, 51 in synthetic chemical industries, 52 in metal industries 53 or
in perfume and potter industries (oil of turpentine and other solvents). 54 Similar occurrence
of solvents can be found in consumer products, e.g., in nail polishes (e.g., toluene). 55 Allergic
solvent substances are listed in various catalogues and databases. 1,2,49
Examples of allergic solvents are terpene products with high sensitivity potential,
which can cause positive test reactions (patch-test) or even allergic diseases (contact sensitization
and dermatitis). Allergic dermatitis can even be provoked by d-limonene in the air. 56
Terpenes and terpenoid substances are found especially in “natural products”, e.g., cosmetic
products, foods, and plants (oilseed rape). 57,58