SOLVENTS

People who work in the construction trades use coatings, finishes, strippers, adhesives, glues, and cleaners on a daily basis.  These products contain a group of chemicals known as solvents or organic solvents.
 
It is medically certain that too much exposure to solvents causes damage to a number of organs in the human body.  The internal organs affected include human lungs, kidneys and liver.  Therefore, if you or a family member is exposed regularly to products containing solvents, and have any of the following conditions, you should seek advice:

• Lung disease
• Shortness of Breathe
• Breathing problems
• Liver disease or other conditions of the liver
• Kidney disease or other conditions of the kidney
• Renal disease or renal conditions

Solvent Brain Damage

Too much exposure to solvents may also cause damage to the human brain.  Our brains control just about everything in our bodies.  Because of this, solvents may cause a large number of neurologic diseases or conditions.  Therefore, the problems caused by exposure to solvents may show themselves in many ways.  Some of the ways we see are:

• Cognitive problems (problems thinking, remembering, learning, or understanding)
• Moodiness or mood swings
• Behavioral problems or disorders
• Problems with memory or forgetfulness
• Movement disorders
• Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism
• Slowness of thought or reactions
• Shaking or trembling
• Loss of coordination
• Chronic (meaning repeated or long-lasting) weakness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Unexplained visual problems
• Depression
• Increased irritability, anger, and other emotions
• Laziness, lack of interest generally, or decrease in initiative
• Serious lack of interest in sex

It's unlikely that any one person will experience all of these symptoms or conditions.  A person who experiences one or more of these conditions, and has been exposed to solvents on a regular basis, should seek advice.
 
Who is exposed to solvents?  Really, anyone who works in construction or manufacturing or who repairs things and works with coatings, finishes, strippers, adhesives, glues, and cleaners is exposed to solvents regularly. The workers who most often fit this description are floor layers, painters, carpenters, and people who work dry cleaning clothes.  But again, it is not possible to name all the kinds of workers who may be at risk.  Anyone who works with solvents may develop problems.