Health and safety have become priority issues in industries across the world. Cases of neglect have cost companies dearly. This book reviews the evidence on the effects of exposure to common industrial solvents.

Solvents have been the cause of occupational health problems for many years. Workers have been exposed through skin contact, by breathing in vapours, by splashes in the eye and, in extreme cases, by ingestion. This book examines the clinical consequences of exposure to different solvents, particularly in the workplace.

The authors have examined material from key medical and toxicological libraries, books, databases and their own case studies, to find the key effects of solvent exposure. They have gone back to original case reports to verify facts. The information is summarised here in ordered sections, including cancer causing activity, skin and eye exposure effects, inhalation effects, reproductive effects and potential genetic effects. Both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures are reviewed. Glycol ethers and esters are covered in one chapter, other common solvents are reviewed in individual chapters.

A very useful section on first aid is included, with precautions to be taken to avoid rescuers being affected.

Medical professionals will find useful information about antidotes, tests for exposure, and hospital management of affected patients.

A glossary of medical terms is included to assist non-medical readers in understanding the text.

Key features