Consistent exposure to organic solvents such as toluene, white spirit and xylene may increase a person’s risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a recent study.
The study followed close to 12,000 painters, who are known to be exposed to organic solvents, from 1970 to 1986. Construction workers, 36,899 of them, and 9,314 food-processing workers, who were not thought to have been exposed to organic solvents, were also followed.
After a review of participants’ disability pensions at the end of the study, results revealed that nine painters, 12 construction workers and six food workers had been diagnosed with MS.
The cause of MS, which occurs when the body's immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spine, remains unknown. Symptoms of the disease include muscle weakness and stiffness, balance and coordination problems, numbness and vision disturbances.
The study showed that painters had almost double the risk of receiving a disability pension because of MS than the combined group of construction and food processing workers.
Researchers believe the findings indicate that exposure to organic solvents might increase the risk of developing MS, though more research is needed to fully address the association.
Epidemiology November 2002;13:718-720
Typically solvent exposure is more strongly associated with another neurological illness, Parkinson’s Disease. However, it is clear that these toxic chemicals can play all sort of havoc with the human brain.
Please see the other article on MS in this issue that addresses my current strategy for treatment.