A REVIEW OF RECENT RESEARCH ON HEALTH-EFFECTS OF HUMAN OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ORGANIC-SOLVENTS - A CRITICAL-REVIEW

The health impact of workplace solvent exposure remains an issue of su bstantial interest and concern to occupational health professionals. A s a result of research performed in the 1970s and 1980s, policies and programs were developed throughout the world to control excessive expo sure to solvents. To an extent, these programs have been responsible f or reduction of the occurrence of solvent-associated encephalopathy an d other health effects. In this review of research performed since 198 5, particular attention is given to issues of reversibility of neuroto xicity following exposure cessation. Furthermore, health effects invol ving other organ systems, particularly reproductive, renal, and hepati c disorders, are discussed. Future research directions are discussed. Finally, the practical implications of these recent research findings are described with a focus on the management of prevention programs at the work site.