The use of experimental studies to reveal suspected neurotoxic chemicals as occupational hazards: acute and chronic exposures to organic solvents.

The nervous system differs from many other body organs by its central control of vital functions and its low regeneration capacity. Organic solvents have, as a group, been suspected to have neurotoxic effects. Because of their similar physical properties and the fact that in industrial uses, they are often present in various mixtures, organic solvents have also been regarded, unfortunately, to induce common neurotoxic effects. However, it is evident from experimental studies using specified exposure conditions that different organic solvents have very diverse neurotoxic effects and also that the toxic mechanism may differ between acute and chronic exposure. No specific method used to describe a neurotoxic effect or single toxic response can be used for the overall occupational risk assessment of all organic solvents. Each solvent has to be considered as having its own unique toxic effects.