Biomaterial Database

Gassings due to methylene chloride, xylene, toluene, and styrene reported to Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate 1961-80. 1985

M A Bakinson, and R D Jones

For the period 1961-80, 118 cases of industrial gassings caused by the solvents methylene chloride, xylene, toluene, and styrene were reported to Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate. The data have been collated and analysed according to the predetermined criteria of age, sex, mode and circumstances of use, clinical effect, and outcome. The means of collection of the data and their objectivity is discussed. The study shows the narcotic effect of these solvents and underlines the dangers of their use in confined spaces. Symptoms were most commonly attributable to the nervous and respiratory systems. The problem of addiction and the vulnerability of the younger worker is also discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008752	Methylene Chloride	A chlorinated hydrocarbon that has been used as an inhalation anesthetic and acts as a narcotic in high concentrations. Its primary use is as a solvent in manufacturing and food technology.	Dichloromethane,Methylene Bichloride,Methylene Dichloride,Solaesthin,Bichloride, Methylene,Chloride, Methylene,Dichloride, Methylene
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D009784	Occupational Diseases	Diseases caused by factors involved in one's employment.	Diseases, Occupational,Occupational Illnesses,Disease, Occupational,Illnesse, Occupational,Illnesses, Occupational,Occupational Disease,Occupational Illnesse
D001921	Brain	The part of CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM that is contained within the skull (CRANIUM). Arising from the NEURAL TUBE, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including PROSENCEPHALON (the forebrain); MESENCEPHALON (the midbrain); and RHOMBENCEPHALON (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of CEREBRUM; CEREBELLUM; and other structures in the BRAIN STEM.	Encephalon
D004064	Digestive System	A group of organs stretching from the MOUTH to the ANUS, serving to breakdown foods, assimilate nutrients, and eliminate waste. In humans, the digestive system includes the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT and the accessory glands (LIVER; BILIARY TRACT; PANCREAS).	Ailmentary System,Alimentary System
D005260	Female		Females
D005739	Gas Poisoning	Poisoning that results from exposure to gases such as CARBON MONOXIDE; NOBLE GASES; OXYGEN; or NATURAL GAS.	Poisoning, Gas,Gas Poisonings,Poisonings, Gas
D006113	United Kingdom	Country in northwestern Europe including Great Britain and the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland, located between the North Sea and north Atlantic Ocean. The capital is London.	Great Britain,Isle of Man
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man