Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy Associated with 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

Abstract

A case is described of peripheral sensory neuropathy in a woman who had daily exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane, used as a degreasing agent. Although previous reviews of the health effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane have not indicated long-term neurotoxicity, there are recent animal studies that suggest chronic central neurotoxic effects and previous case reports of peripheral neuropathy in three exposed workers in one plant. Our case provides additional evidence that 1,1,1-trichloroethane exposure may be associated with peripheral sensory neuropathy. Reporting of similar cases is encouraged and investigation of the neurotoxic effects of 1,1,1-trichloroethane is recommended.

Volatile Organic Compounds: Distribution in Offices and Restaurants in the Cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sâo Paulo (Brazil)

“…If this result is con firmed, it could illustrate the environmental persistence of this pollutant. Exposure to high levels of this com pound has been related to sensorial neuropathology [14]. The presence of tetrachloroethene indoors in a hotel was the result of the use of the product for dry-cleaning of room linen, as confirmed by the hotel management.…”

Solvent neurotoxicity

“…65 Other solvents have been implicated as peripheral neurotoxins including carbon disulphide, 66 styrene, 67 and 1,1,1trichloroethane. 68 The evidence for these latter associations is relatively weak; given the wide usage of some of these substances many more cases of peripheral neuropathy might be anticipated.…”

The Oil Mallee Project: A Multifaceted Industrial Ecology Case Study

“…According to Derwent and colleagues (1989), however, trichloroethane's stability in the lower atmosphere (atmospheric lifetime of 5.7 ±0.7 years) and widespread use as a degreaser and general all-purpose solvent since the late 1950s means that it is a significant contributor to ozone layer depletion. Despite its adverse environmental record and poor occupational health standing (Baker 1994;House et al 1994;Tay et al 1995), trichloroethane was the degreasing solvent of choice, with annual international sales on the order of a million metric tons in 1993.…”