Reversible subacute ethylene glycol monomethyl ether toxicity associated with microfilm production: a case report

The first reported case of a possible toxic effect of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) exposure in the microfilm manufacturing industry is described. Reversible subjective central nervous system complaints and asymptomatic hematopoietic effects occurred following inhalation and skin exposure to EGME. Hematopoietic changes occurred at airborne levels which have been associated with reproductive and teratogenic effects in other studies. This finding leads to a recommendation for further research to determine whether or not hematopoietic medical surveillance can provide an indication of not only EGME hematopoietic effects but also an indication of sufficient EGME exposure to affect human reproduction and fetal development.