CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY OF ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MONOALKYL ETHERS

The glycol ethers constitute a family of organic solvents commonly fou nd in industrial and household products. Because of their widespread a vailability and potential for serious toxicity, physicians should be a ware of the clinical toxicology of these compounds, Until recently, kn owledge of the toxic effects of glycol ethers has been derived from an imal studies and a limited number of case reports and small case serie s. A growing body of data from epidemiological studies, controlled hum an studies, and studies using human tissue now allows for advancement in the understanding of the acute and chronic toxicity of these compou nds. This review summarizes and evaluates human and pertinent animal l iterature on the clinical toxicology of glycol ethers, with a focus on the commonly encountered monoalkyl ethers of ethylene glycol. Managem ent options for acute poisoning, as well as measures for the control o f workplace exposures, are discussed.