Nerve damage seen from industrial solvent

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Nerve damage seen from industrial solvent

2004-10-05 14:00:16

 

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By Megan Rauscher

 

TORONTO (Reuters Health) - Chronic exposure to high concentrations

of 1-bromopropane (1-BP) vapor is highly toxic to nerves, according

to data presented here Tuesday during the annual meeting of the

American Neurological Association.

 

1-BP is an industrial solvent widely used in the US and Japan and

introduced to replace ozone-depleting chemicals. Dr. Jennifer J.

Majersik of the University of Utah described six individuals who

worked in a factory gluing foam cushions together who were exposed

to 1-BP vapors from spray adhesives over several months.

 

All six developed severe symptoms of nerve damage, including leg or

foot pain and muscle weakness and spasms.

 

Five had difficulty walking and two of the most severely affected

individuals regained only minimal function 15 months after exposure

and still require assistance walking. Three others continue to

complain of chronic nerve pain.

 

Air samples taken at the factory one day after use of the solvent

was halted showed 1-BP air concentration of 130 parts per million

(ppm), well above the safety level of 25 ppm currently set by the

Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Poor ventilation in the factory led to the high 1-BP levels. " It was

winter, the heater in the factory was broken so the employees turned

off the fan because it was cold, " Majersik explained.

 

" 1-BP is highly volatile so it is easily breathed in and it is

probably also absorbed in the skin so it requires a lot of

ventilation, " she said.

 

There have been a few " red flags " regarding the neurotoxic effects

of 1-BP, Majersik said.

 

Just recently, several factory workers in North Carolina who were

also using 1-BP-containing glue to assemble foam cushions reported

neurological symptoms after exposure. Factory workers in China have

reported numbness in their toes and mental deficits following 1-BP

exposure.

 

 

 

 

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