Towards a Better Knowledge of the Neurotoxic Effects of Occupational Exposure to Organic Solvents on Human Health: A Review Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37375./sjfssu.v5i1.3193Keywords:
benzene; bone marrow; leukaemia, dementia, AlzheimerAbstract
This review examines existing studies on the effects of exposure to the organic solvent (OS) on human health, whereby the focus is on its associations with dementia, Alzheimer's and chronic-solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE). OSs also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, construction, and manufacturing due to their ability to dissolve non-aqueous substances. Despite their utility, many OSs, including benzene, toluene, and hexane, are highly toxic and pose significant health risks, particularly to workers in high-exposure occupations. Prolonged exposure to these solvents has been linked to severe neurotoxic effects, including CSE, cognitive impairments, and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The lipophilic nature of OSs allows them to accumulate in lipid-rich tissues, including the brain, disrupting neurological functions and contributing to long-term cognitive decline.
This research reviews the mechanisms of OS-induced neurotoxicity, emphasizing the role of volatility, lipophilicity, and metabolic pathways in determining bioavailability and health impacts. It highlights the disproportionate burden of exposure on vulnerable populations, such as migrant workers and those in low-resource settings, and discusses the economic and social implications of solvent-related cognitive disorders. Conflicting evidence and research gaps are addressed, underscoring the need for large-scale, longitudinal studies to establish definitive causal relationships between solvent exposure and cognitive decline.
To mitigate these risks, it recommends stricter regulatory measures, improved workplace safety protocols, enhanced worker education, and ongoing health monitoring. By prioritizing proactive interventions, industries can reduce occupational solvent-related health risks, protect vulnerable workers, and promote safer work environments. This review underscores the importance of balancing industrial productivity with public health, advocating for a precautionary approach to solvent exposure management.
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