Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Vinyl Chloride and High-Fat Diet as a Model of Environment and Obesity Interaction
Published on: January 12, 2020
[Mental health and the exposure to organic solvents in the workplace.]
Abstract:
Organic solvents, due to their chemical properties have a particular affinity with the nervous system, giving them the power to interfere with the functioning of an element. Case histories and epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between a long term exposure to certain solvents and the danger of neuropathies, encephalopathies and psychiatric troubles. This article's aim is to expose the problem of the deterioration of the well being of persons exposed to neurotoxic agents. A study was made in an explosives factory with workers who were exposed to ethylic ether or ethanol and a control of 74 workers who were not exposed. This is an exploratory study which mostly looks into the prevalence of symptoms that could result from a professional contact with theses neurotoxic agents. The results show that the exposed workers, compared to those who were not exposed, are afflicted with more prenarcotic symptoms at work : such as feelings of drunkeness and difficulties in articulating words. The workers also show more frequently general symptoms such as changes of mood, problems of fatigue, sleep, memory and concentration. The reported numbers of prenarcotic symptoms increase with the degree of exposure. The significance of these results on the mental health of the persons involved is studied.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
Periodic Table Provides Information...
Effects of Chemicals: Overview
