title: Organic solvent encephalopathy: an old hazard revisited.
abstract: This report describes neurologic and respiratory symptoms among 26 engineers and contract laborers who used organic solvents and detergents to remove polychlorinated biphenyl contamination from a poorly ventilated factory basement. Neurologic symptoms included persistent central nervous system deficits; these developed in one worker after only 3 days. Respiratory symptoms included cough that persisted for more than 2 years. Laborers were more likely to report symptoms than were engineers. Appropriate ventilation or respirator use might have prevented the workers' morbidity. This incident serves as a reminder that organic solvent-related occupational illness continues to occur despite worker-health regulations and knowledge of preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Division of Field Epidemiology, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Houck
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nebel
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003902:Detergents / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D012997:Solvents; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls