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Petroleum-derived solvents when used indoors require the use of effective ventilation / local extraction
and a personal respirator with organic vapor cartridge. Today, there are many health-friendly alternatives.
co-edited by: | JH Shaw | M McCann PhD | A Babin | C Randall | © 2012
Solvents and The Law UIC Health in The Arts Library Organic Solvents / Making Art Safely Reproduction Risks
V O C S o l v e n t H a z a r d s
(volatile organic compounds)
most petro-chemical solvents and their noxious vapor emissions
may cause infertility or birth defects
and should be considered potentially carcinogenic,
even if this hazard is not listed on the label, or in msds data sheets.
This is due to the likely presence of traces of benzene
and other powerful carcinogens.
Virtually all petroleum derived solvents and VOCs
are known neurotoxins, capable of
causing brain and nerve damage.
solvents pollute water and are very harmful to aquatic organisms
Organic solvents such as mineral spirit or white spirit(broadly known as VOCs) are widely used in
traditional printmaking, printing, and painting,
and in the paints, coatings, and ink industries
Some argue that solvent use is steeped in history, but the refined petroleum distillates that artists or house painters use in large quantities are a relatively recent development. They are the products of industrial oil production and organic chemistry - from the 1850s onwards - and evidently cannot have been used by the old masters, as claimed by some. Artists such as Rembrandt are thought to have relied on the use of specialized soaps and oils for brush cleaning (for instance Marseilles soap), and the precious turpentine was used in moderation.
Since the 1960s there has been increasing medical evidence that most petroleum derived solvents are toxic. This has been the basis of various lawsuits brought by afflicted workers, for example in the US railway industry. Over the past 20 years - and with little publicity - there have also been various lawsuits regarding sickness or injury resulting from solvent exposure in the field of painting and decorating, in art schools (CAR/UIC), and in other fields such as road construction and printing.
Safety
in The Arts by Michael McCann.This Facebook forum is devoted to health
and safety hazards in the visual arts. Safety in the Arts welcomes
comments, links to websites, reports of incidents and safety concerns,
events, workshop and comments listings, etc. Click on image to access.
The notion that organic solvents necessarily entail serious toxic hazards is currently being challenged by the new bio-solvent industry and its innovative research. Whilst most petroleum-based solvents are toxic, many of the new bio-solvents are much less hazardous, especially in aqueous solutions. In his new book Dwight Pogue writes: 'During the last decade, a number of new patents have recognized research in renewable bio-based and biodegradable materials as replacements for the petroleum-based solvents that have been in common use in a myriad of industrial applications (including agriculture products, pharmaceuticals, food additives, biofuels, paints, coatings, and cleaners). Many of the new, highly effective solvents, including ethyl lactate, methyl soyate, and d-Limonene, are based on such food stocks as corn, soybeans, and citrus fruit.' ('Printmaking Revolution', Watson-Guptill, NY 2012).
National Toxicology Program
Most petroleum solvents are distilled from tar and oil
What is Tar? Tar-products are derived from coal tar. Asphaltum or bitumen products (sometimes also called tar) are derived from crude oil. All these complex hydrocarbons or PAHs are used in printmaking, and have been found to be carcinogenic.
A Cancer Study by the US National Toxicology Program:
Download the full pdf on the web site of the US National Toxicology Program: click here
From
left to right: Tar spreading in road construction; the industry is
currently switching to non-tar alternatives to help protect the health
of their workers. / A typical tar/asphaltum based hard ground solution /
a tar ball found on a beach / An illustration of typical polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons - benz(e)acephenanthrylene, pyrene
anddibenz(ah)anthracene. (Wikipedia) / (right) Lithotene and Litho Tusche
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
also known as poly-aromatic hydrocarbons or polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons, are potent atmospheric pollutants that consist of fused
aromatic rings and do not contain heteroatoms or carry substituents. [2]Naphthalene (White Spirit | Mineral Spirit)
is the simplest example of a PAH. PAHs occur in oil, coal, and tar
deposits, and are produced as byproducts of fuel burning (whether fossil
fuel or biomass). As a pollutant, they are of concern because some
compounds have been identified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic (WIKIPEDIA).
Note: Carcinogenic = causing cancer | Mutagenic = damaging sperm and egg | Teratogenic = causing birth defects
Numerous solvents that were classed as 'moderately toxic' in older literature on solvent safety are now regarded as 'toxic'. For instance White Spirit / Mineral Spirits or Acetone have been re-evaluated by experts and are now classed as 'toxic' and as potential carcinogens. Glycol ether, often quoted as being a mere irritant and a necessity is also toxic, not only in concentration but also diluted (e.g. in water-based paints and cleaning products).
Solvent Innovation
The dilution ventilation approach underlying expensive extraction systems may be seen as temporary and inefficient answer;
often local extraction is an additional requirement when using VOCs in a
professional setting. Toxicologists fail to agree on safe exposure
levels for solvents but insist that even small amounts of inhaled
solvent vapors can be harmful. As a result, over the past 20 years, safe
and reliable alternatives to solvent based methods have been
established in painting, and for all major printmaking disciplines and
are now being used in print studios around the world. Stanford
scientists found that the impact of solvent vapors on human health is
1000 times greater in an indoor environment, rather than outdoors. This
may well explain why ill health still occurs, despite the widespread
adoption of more or less elaborate ventilation systems in professional
print shops.Collagraph + Monoprinting Acrylic Media, Nontoxic Solvents
Photo Etching + Photogravure Photopolymer, Intaglio Type
Relief Printing Nontoxic Solvents
Book Art Photopolymer, Nontoxic Solvents
Lithography Polyester Plate, Nontoxic Offset, Waterless
Printmaking Inks Waterbased, Oil-based and Water-miscible
made without toxic pigments or VOCs
Offset Printing Inks made from plant sources (soy and linseed oil), Safe Solvents
PAINTING Waterbased Paints | Improved Acrylics, use of nonVOC solvents,
Water-miscible Oil Paints
Examples of Volatile Organic Solvents:
WHITE SPIRIT
TURPENTINE
NAPHTHA
TOLUOL
MINERAL SPIRIT
BENZENE
LITHOTINE
ACETONE
METHYL ALCOHOL
Examples of safe, non-volatile alternatives:
WATER
SOAPS
DETERGENTS
SODIUM CARBONATE
BAKING SODA
VEGETABLE OIL, OLIVE OIL
ETHYL ALCOHOL
zacryl / citrusdepot / vertecbiosolvents /
Safe SolventsSAFETY NOTE: NEVER INHALE CONCENTRATED VOC's!
concentrated VOCs when directly inhaled (including plant derived VOCs such as orange oil)
may cause lung damage or even death by asphyxiation
D-Limonene - Orange Oil
The active ingredient in orange oil, D-Limonene is a natural yet very powerful solvent. It is possibly safer than many oil-based solvents, yet precautions, ventilation and respiratory protection are needed. In concentrated form and vaporized it may present a significant inhalation hazard; also it is highly flammable. If using substantial amounts of pure orange oil, and over prolonged periods work in a well ventilated area and use an organic vapor mask. Most citrus based solvents utilize the power of this natural paint thinner in aqueous solutions, and accompanied by other ingredients such as soy oil and corn oil and detergents. Very high concentrations administered in animal studies, (using laboratory rats), showed an elevated cancer risk. I is not currently thought that these findings can be applied to human health.
The bio solvent industry is leading research into safe solvent, paint and ink alternatives
Two
companies supplying ingredients for bio-solvents and volume supplies for
industrial use (for instance in the printing industry) are Citrus Depot
and Vertec Biosolvents. Both of these firms conduct leading research
and development into nontoxic solvent technologies.
Vertec
claim to be 'the world's most innovative supplier of sustainable
biobased solvents derived from corn, soybeans, citrus fruits and other
renewable feedstocks', and the company also pursue a carbon-neutral
policy. The company just announced a new product - its 'DLR blend', a
low cost and environmentally friendly replacement for d-limonene, which
is set to have many uses and applications in painting and printing.
Citrus Depot http://www.citrusdepot.net/
Vertec BioSolvents http://www.vertecbiosolvents.com/
Safe Stripping with Orange Zest Solvents
Example: 'D-Solve': 'This truly revolutionary solvent was formulated as an alternative to petroleum-based turpentines and thinners. Made from 100% renewable resources of soy, corn, and citrus, and is non-polluting, non-carcinogenic, and bio-degradable. A teaspoon will thoroughly clean a printing plate. DSolve will even strip dried ink or paint.' Dick Blick
Citrus-based solvents made for the DIY mass-market (available in hardware and DIY stores) include 'De-Solv-it' or 'CitraSolv'.
Image: Z*Acryl Product D*Solve ( a pioneering product, now unavailable)
In some fields, for instance in stone and metal plate lithography less progress has so far been made towards the elimination of VOCs, although more research could surely free Senefelder's medium from the hazards of VOC use. As an intermediate solution some lithographic workshops (for example at Edinburgh Printmakers and WSU) have gone beyond the dilution extraction approach and have installed localized extraction systems that are designed to give increased protection from VOC inhalation. The UIC Health and Safety in the Arts recommendation is that if local exhaust ventilation is not present, use NIOSH-approved respirators with organic vapor cartridges.
Stone Lithography Offset Printing - nontoxic A number of studies provide statistical
A Canadian study of 3726 men with cancer aged 35-70 conducted from 1979 to1985 also found that solvent exposure increased the risk of cancer (the risk nearly doubled). Although Naphtha (White Spirit, Mineral Spirits) is not classed as carcinogenic, it typically contains 3-4 % benzene, a powerful carcinogen. Even mineral oil, often thought of as a safe cleaning agent, may contain traces of toxic VOCs. Many solvents are also toxic if ingested. For example swallowing an ounce of turpentine can be fatal (Princeton University).
"New research shows that the sperm of men who work as painters and decorators is likely to be of poorer quality. This is due to their exposure to chemical solvents known as glycol ethers in water-based paints and other substances used in their trade.
The scientists, from the universities of Sheffield and Manchester in the UK, published their findings in the BMJ (British Medical Journals)- journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine. The researchers examined the working lives of 2,118 men across the UK in an attempt to assess how environmental work factors, particularly exposure to chemical substances, affected male fertility. The research took place in 14 fertility clinics in 11 cities across the country.
The research showed that men working with glycol ethers have a 2.5-fold increased risk of having high numbers of sperm with low motility (swimming ability) compared to men who are not often exposed to the chemicals.
Painting and decorating may be harmful to male fertility
2 June 2008
Appeared in BioNews 460
New research shows that the sperm of men who work as painters and decorators is likely to be of poorer quality. This is due to their exposure to chemical solvents known as glycol ethers in water-based paints and other substances used in their trade.
https://www.bionews.org.uk/page_90703
Glycol Ether:
The universal solvent...toxic or not?
Today, there is little doubt that the near odorless glycol ether poses a much more serious health risk than often assumed. The clear, sweet tasting substance commonly used as anti freeze, shot to infamy in 1985 when some Austrian and German wine makers were shown to have spoiled their wine with this toxic chemical. The incident prompted one of the best known food scares in history and for about a year Germans resorted to drinking beer instead of wine.
Check MSDS information and avoid products with significant concentrations of this hidden VOC. Recent studies confirmed a direct link between glycol ether exposure and fertility, both in men and women. According to the University of Sheffield, (2008), house painters using water-based paints are two and a half times more likely to suffer damaged sperm, low sperm count, and infertility than other men. 'Dr. Andy Povey, senior lecturer in Molecular Epidemiology at the University of Manchester, said: 'We know that certain glycol ethers can affect male fertility and the use of these has reduced over the past two decades. However our results suggest that they are still a workplace hazard and that further work is needed to reduce such exposure.'
Original Article: 'Occupation and male infertility: glycol ethers and other exposures'
Occupational and Environmental Medicine. oem.bmj.com
2008, 65: 708-714
| Protection against low level VOC exposure Today there are many paint products that are marketed as safe, yet there may still be harmful low-level VOC emissions, such as glycol ether. Examples: many water-based paints, acrylic floor finish, some artist acrylics, low odor, low VOC solvents, and printmaking resists. Although a full organic respirator may be impractical for a days work we would recommend wearing a disposable light weight mask that offers some organic vapor protection. Dispose of the mask after a days work (about $ 5 per mask). Product example: 3M Particulate Respirator 8514, N95, with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor Relief |
The US National Library of Medicine's TOXNET information service recommends that for safe solvent handling, full breathing apparatus is required.
The case for non-solvent based methodologies in painting and printmaking is compelling:
- hydrocarbon solvents or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are neurotoxins
- short term exposure makes you dizzy and may even cause death
- long-term exposure can cause brain damage
- solvent use about doubles the risk of cancer
- solvents may harm a fetus during pregnancy (link)
My personal experience, from nearly 25 years working in professional print studios, confirms that solvent related hazards are not just a footnote on safety data sheets but a real concern: solvents are a much greater hazard than is commonly assumed. I know of many close colleagues who regularly exposed themselves to solvent fumes, who later suffered serious health consequences: including brain disease, kidney damage, cancer, lung damage, nerve damage, and even sudden death.
illustration by Jennifer Shaw
Art materials are chemical products and the instructions and warnings given on a label should be carefully observed.
In Europe, regulations were introduced in the 1960s to cover all products available to industry or the general public in the EU. The basis of the system is the classification of dangerous substances into the following categories:
- TOXIC
- HARMFUL
- CORROSIVE
- IRRITANT
- OXIDISING
- EXPLOSIVE
- FLAMMABLE
- DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Any art material that falls into one of the above classifications must be labeled accordingly.
A label can also indicate the degree of severity by describing a product as "Very Toxic" or "Extremely Flammable" for example, and most show an accompanying symbol such as the skull and cross bones for TOXIC.
The three most common classifications found on art materials are:
HARMFUL FLAMMABLE DANGEROUS FOR
THE ENVIRONMENT
A label may also include "risk" phrases and "safety" phrases.
Distilled Turpentine would be labeled
Harmful and Dangerous for the Environment
with the following risk phrases:
* Flammable
* Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
* Irritating to the eyes and skin
* May cause sensitisation by skin contact
* Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
* May cause lung damage if swallowed
and with the following safety phrases:
* Keep out of reach of children
* Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves
* Avoid release into the environment. Refer to safety data sheets
* If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label
In the United States, products are also commonly labeled with the seals shown opposite. The AP seal indicates that the product has been tested by an independent toxicologist and is considered to be nontoxic. The CL seal is shown on products that are potentially hazardous, together with appropriate phrases such as:
Warning: May produce allergic reaction by skin contactAvoid skin contact
Wash hands after use
Keep out of reach of children
The US labelling system came about through the combined efforts of a number of associations and groups. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has prepared standards for the safe use of art materials.
The Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) provides labeling
certification and works to promote the safe and informed use of art
materials in North America. It should be noted that the EU and US systems of labeling use different levels and limits.
It should
also be considered that although ACMI has done a lot to promote better
practices and improved health labeling, there may also be limitations
regarding their scope, and sometimes their objectivity. The institute is
funded by the materials manufacturers themselves rather than by a
completely independent body. It would be in the nature of this
affiliation that there are instances in which a completely objective
point of view about health hazards may not always be possible. In our
experience there have been instances in which products (for instance
certain tar formulations for printmaking) were given a nontoxic logo by
their makers, when in fact the label should bear a warning about cancer
and neurological hazards. It may seem that ACMI is not always able to
police its policies, and sometimes manufacturers print 'nontoxic' labels
on products that are known to cause toxic effects. It is best to
consult MSDS sheets in conjunction with product labels as these contain a
lot more detailed information. Even msds sheets can be misleading - or
may omit certain health information - so anyone that uses art and
printmaking materials, paints and solvents is well advised to consult
literature on art safety, or an independent resource such as this, to
get a fully rounded picture of potential hazards. If you know the
ingredients you wish to know more about, you can do a quick Google
search such as 'Toxicity of Asphalt'.
WARNING: ODORLESS THINNERS - DON'T JUST READ THE LABEL
The petroleum industry has been marketing odorless thinners and solvents as a safe alternative to conventional mineral spirits. As a consequence, many artists, print studios and commercial printers may be using certain products in the belief that the absence of a strong odor is a guarantee of safety. This reasonable assumption is often 'confirmed' by the manufacturer's use of 'safe' terminology and imagery on the can. Many of these products can be just as harmful as the strong-smelling VOCs, and may contain powerful neurotoxins - something which may not be explicit in the labeling.
BEST PRACTICE: CHECK THE MSDS
If you want to be sure that a product is truly safe, inspect its MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) - the recommendations may surprise you! For example, contrary to its label, one common odorless thinner's MSDS states that a NIOSH approved organic respirator and local fume extraction is advised for the user's protection.
Responsible
art materials suppliers, such as Dick Blick, provide Material Safety
Data Sheets in PDF format next to their products on the company website
so that you don't have to do the Googling for hidden hazards.
IS ACETONE A SAFE SOLVENT?
Acetone
is sometimes quoted as a safe solvent because it is used extensively in
chemistry labs and goes into conventional nail varnish and remover.
Some artists and printers use it as a replacement for other solvents
such white spirit. Medical studies have indeed found acetone to be
significantly less neurotoxic than most petro-chemical solvents, but
certainly it is an agent that requires good caution in its use. Some
scientists argue that acetone is readily broken down and metabolized by
the human body, justifying its widespread use.
By contrast, The Tamarind Techniques Manual by Marjorie Devon quotes acetone as a known carcinogen (this may be incorrect), and as an agent capable of causing birth defects.
Acetone
has the same ability to cause short term damage in higher concentrations
as more toxic solvents (it may cause unconsciousness and severe lung
damage!) and perhaps its greatest hazard is presented by its great
dissolving ability. Acetone is known to enhance and amplify the toxic
effects of toxic agents that may be dissolved by it, for instance nail
varnish ingredients such as toluene or toxic pigments that may cause
birth defects. Used in a traditional print studio acetone may exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of tar products.
WHICH ALCOHOL IS SAFE?
Methanol,
Isopropanol, and Ethyl Alcohol: Which is Safe? These three forms of
alcohol are very common solvents and de-greasing agents. We would advise
against the use of Methyl Alcohol (also used as fuel) as it is highly
toxic and is known to cause blindness. It is also added to Ethyl Alcohol
(Drinking Alcohol) as a denaturing agent to safeguard against abuse as
drink. Both Isopropyl alcohol and Ethyl Alcohol are sold as medical
âRubbing Alcoholâ, but only Ethyl Alcohol is recommended as a
relatively safe solvent, cleaning and and de-greasing agent. It is the
only alcohol that our bodies can readily metabolize, hence its
popularity in alcoholic beveragesâ¦Cheers!
Friedhard Kiekeben, with special thanks to Chloe Randall for her invaluable assistance with research into VOCs; special thanks also to Michael McCann for editorial suggestions
Exposure to some common paint stripping products
can be very hazardous, and even fatal.
OSHA lists several safer alternatives
on the following page:
Hazards of Acrylic Paint Products
https://www.nontoxicprint.com/acrylicresistetching.htm
Scientific Studies on Solvent Toxicity
Extracts from Selected Sources
Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
Non Water-Based Paints...oil paints, encaustic and egg tempera use linseed oil, wax and egg respectively as vehicles, although solvents are often used as a thinner and for cleanup. Turpentine and mineral spirits (paint thinner), for example, are used in oil painting mediums, for thinning, and for cleaning brushes. Alkyd paints use solvents as their vehicle. In addition many commercial paints used by artists also contain solvents.
All solvents can cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis from prolonged or repeated exposure. Turpentine can also cause skin allergies and be absorbed through the skin...Acute inhalation of high concentrations of mineral spirits, turpentine vapors, and other solvents can cause narcosis, which can include symptoms of dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, loss of coordination, coma, as well as respiratory irritation.
Chronic inhalation of large amounts of solvents could result in decreased coordination, behavioral changes and brain damage...Chronic inhalation of turpentine can cause kidney damage and respiratory irritation and allergies. In the case of mineral spirits, this is usually due to chemical pneumonia caused by aspiration (breathing in) of the mineral spirits into the lungs after vomiting. Natural resins (copal, damar, rosin, Japanese Lacquer) may cause skin irritation or allergies. Rosin dust can cause asthma.
The World Health Organisation (WHO)
See the following:
2. WHITE SPIRIT (STODDARD SOLVENT) HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
3. UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
4. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
The odour threshold of white spirit is quite low, and vapours can be detected at levels of 0.5-5 mg/m3. Tolerance of the odour may be developed.
Eye irritation has been reported in connection with acute exposure down to a level of 600 mg/m3 (100 ppm). At higher levels respiratory irritation and more pronounced eye irritation occur. Acute CNS symptoms such as headache, drunkenness, dizziness and fatigue have been reported in several cases of occupational exposure.
Controlled 7-h exposure to levels of 600 mg/m3 or more resulted in impaired balance during walking and to an increased reaction time. Exposure to 4000 mg/m3 for 50 min resulted in impaired performance in tests for perceptual speed and short-term memory.
One case of cyanosis, apnoea (asphyxiation) and cardiac arrest after excessive inhalation exposure during painting has been reported. Ingestion of white spirit has been reported to produce gastrointestinal irritation with pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Lesions of the mucous membranes in the oesophagus and the gastrointestinal tract followed the oral exposure.
Due to its low viscosity and low surface tension, white spirit poses a risk of aspiration into the lungs following oral exposure. A few ml of solvent aspirated into the lungs is able to produce serious bronchopneumonia and 10-30 ml may be fatal. Prolonged dermal exposure to white spirit, e.g., resulting from wearing clothes that have been soaked or moistened by white spirit for hours, may produce irritation and dermatitis...Single cases of acute toxicity to the kidney, liver and bone marrow have been reported following exposure to white spirit at high levels.
However, clinical studies reveal decreased erythrocyte, leucocyte and platelet counts, and increased mean corpuscular volume in exposed workers. Similar haematological changes have been observed in animal studies.
Numerous epidemiological studies have been performed involving painters with long-term exposure to white spirit. Increased incidence of complaints of memory impairment, fatigue, impaired concentration, irritability, dizziness, headache, anxiety and apathy have been demonstrated in several cross-sectional studies. Studies including neuropsychological tests have shown impaired ability in performing some of the tests. In some studies an overall reduction in cognitive functioning was noted to a degree that corresponded to a diagnosis of chronic toxic encephalopathy.
In a few studies a dose-response relationship was established. This was the case in a comprehensive study in which painters predominantly exposed to white spirit were compared with non-exposed bricklayers. Painters with low solvent exposure were comparable to non-exposed bricklayers with regard to neuropsychological test results. However, the prevalence of impaired functioning increased with increasing exposure in the groups of painters with medium and high exposure.
Environmental Health Perspectives
Volume 107, Number 5, May 1999
"Chronic Toxic Encephalopathy in a Painter Exposed to Mixed Solvents"
Robert G. Feldman [1,2]; Marcia Hillary Ratner [1] and Thomas Ptak [3]
[1] Environmental and Occupational Neurology Program, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
[2] Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA;
[3] Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02218 USA
This paper describes symptoms and findings in a 57-year-old painter who had been exposed to various organic solvents for over 30 years. He began to work as a painter at 16 years of age, frequently working in poorly ventilated areas; he used solvents to remove paint from the skin of his arms and hands at the end of each work shift. The patient and his family noticed impaired short-term memory function and changes in affect in his early forties, which progressed until after he stopped working and was thus no longer exposed to paints and solvents.
After the patient's exposures had ended, serial neuropsychological testing revealed persistent cognitive deficits without evidence of further progression, and improvement in some domains. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed global and symmetrical volume loss, involving more white than gray matter. The findings in this patient are consistent with chronic toxic encephalopathy and are differentiated from other dementing processes such as Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct (vascular) dementia, and alcoholic dementia. Previous descriptions in the literature of persistent neurobehavioral effects associated with chronic exposure to organic solvents corroborate the findings in this case.
Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
ISSN 0001-3765:
'Solvent-related chronic toxic encephalopathy as a target in the worker's mental health research'
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias (2004)
www.scielo.br/aabc
ANDREIA RAMOS [1], SILVIA R. JARDIM [1] and JOHO F. SILVA-FILHO [2]
[1] Programa Organizacao do Trabalho e Sal de Mental (OTSAM) Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
[2] Decania Centro de Ciencias da Saude / Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitaria, 21944-590 Rio de Janeiro
Manuscript received on September 3, 2003; accepted for publication on July 21, 2004; presented by Lucia Mendonca Previato
ABSTRACT: The article is aimed at discussing the theoretical grounds which support the diagnosis of solvent-related chronic encephalopathy in the field of the worker's mental health, having it as a target in this area. The psychiatric, neurological and labor health postulates which contribute to the multidisciplinary description of such diagnostic category are presented.
Key words: solvents, chronic encephalopathy, diagnostic criteria, the worker's mental health.
INTRODUCTION: Psychiatric disorders related to exposure to neurotoxins have determined different types of welfare benefits being granted by the welfare system in a number of countries, though the diagnosis provided to justify them does not always establish a clear relationship between the exposure and the disorder (Callender et al. 1997, Ramos et al. 1998, 2004, Ramos and Silva Filho 2001). The relative risk of a disability pension due to pre-senile dementia is higher among the workers exposed to solvents than in the control groups (Axelson et al. 1976, Mikkelsen 1980, Olsen and Sabroe 1980).
There is a trend in making a diagnosis of neurotic disorder for workers who are exposed to neurotoxins and who are considered to be eligible for the welfare benefit. According to Lindstrom et al. (1984), in a Correspondence to: Andreia Ramos E-mail: aa-ramos@uol.com.br study on solvent exposure, the exposure to this neurotoxin increases the risk of early pensions as a result of neurotic disorders, though early pensions due to alcohol addiction and other neuropsychiatric disorders do not grow in the presence of solvent exposure.
Perhaps this can be explained by the fact that, most of the times, these workers present unspecific complaints. Arlien-Soborg et al. (1979) examined seventy wall painters after they had undergone health care due to solvent intoxication symptoms or suspected dementia. The authors discharged possible causes of organic mental disorder and found significant changes in the tests and assessment carried out (neurological test, brain computerized tomography). They concluded that the long-term exposure to solvents would gradually result in the development of a chronic brain syndrome called 'wall painters chronic syndrome.'