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How are solvents absorbed by and excreted from the body?
Solvents are most commonly inhaled in their volatilized form and absorbed via
the respiratory tree directly from solvent-containing liquid products such as
paints, and from solvent-contaminated water through off-gassing during hot
showers, cooking, and laundering. Some of the inhaled dose that is not absorbed
is exhaled. Significant doses of solvents may occur through skin exposure and
absorption.5 Since most solvents are lipophilic, they can be excreted
in breast milk and ingested by nursing infants and children.
Neurotoxicity
The majority of solvents are central nervous system depressants and some have
long-term neuropsychological effects, including chronic toxic encephalopathy.14
Long-term exposure to n-hexane, methyl butyl ketone, or methyl ethyl ketone is
associated with peripheral neuropathy.15 Some case-control studies
have found an association between exposure to organic solvents and multiple
sclerosis, while others have not.16
In adults, the following neurobehavioral problems resulting from chronic
solvent exposure have been recorded in the literature:
- Memory loss
- Decreased problem-solving ability
- Decreased attention span
- Impaired dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Altered reaction time
- Reduced psychomotor function
- Altered personality or mood 16
Carcinogenicity
Many solvents are considered by the EPA to be suspected or confirmed
carcinogens.17, 18
http://www.cehn.org/cehn/trainingmanual/manual-solvents.html
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