Occupational exposure to organic solvents: effects on human reproduction

It is estimated that half a million workers in the Netherlands are regularly exposed to organic solvents. Some examples of well-known solvents are toluene, styrene, xylene, benzene and turpentine. These are widely used for degreasing and diluting, and are found in such products as ordinary paints, car paints, stains, and glues. Solvents evaporate, so those who work with these products tend to inhale them.
It is known for a long time that inhaling organic solvent fumes may impair people’s health. In recent years, occupational exposure to these solvents has been linked to various effects. The most well-known and best documented effect is the occurrence of chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE), also known as organic psycho syndrome (OPS). This involves serious damage to the nervous system, resulting in memory disorders, impaired concentration, mental inertia, fatigue, headache, irritability and depression. In addition, it is known that exposure to certain organic solvents (such as benzene) can cause cancer.

Committee

• B.J. Blaauboer, Toxicologist, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, chairman
• A.M. Bongers, Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, Den Haag, advisor
• S. Buitendijk, Epidemiologist, TNO Quality of life, Leiden
• A. Burdorf, Epidemiologist, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
• J.H.J. Copius Peereboom-Stegeman, Toxicologist, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen
• H.F.P. Joosten, Toxicologist, NV Organon, Department of Toxicology and Drug Disposition, Oss
• H. Kromhout, Professor of exposure assessment and occupational hygiene, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht
• D. Lindhout, Professor of Medical Genetics, paediatrician, University Medical Centre, Utrecht
• A.H. Piersma, Professor of Reproductive and developmental toxicology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven
• N. Roeleveld, Epidemiologist, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen
• D.H. Waalkens-Berendsen, Reproductive toxicologist, TNO Quality of Life, Zeist
• P.J.J.M. Weterings, Toxicologist, Weterings Consultancy BV, Rosmalen
• C.A. Bouwman, Health Council of the Netherlands, Den Haag, scientific secretary
• A.S.A.M. van der Burght, Health Council of the Netherlands, Den Haag, scientific secretary