MS and organic solvents

[Guest guest]

11/27/02

http://www.mercola.com/2002/nov/27/organic_solvents.htm

Exposure to Organic Solvents May Heighten Multiple Sclerosis Risk

Consistent exposure to organic solvents such as toluene, white spirit

and xylene may increase a person's risk of multiple sclerosis (MS),

according to a recent study.

The study followed close to 12,000 painters, who are known to be exposed

to organic solvents, from 1970 to 1986.

Construction workers, 36,899 of them, and 9,314 food-processing workers,

who were not thought to have been exposed to organic solvents, were also

followed.

After a review of participants' disability pensions at the end of the

study, results revealed that nine painters, 12 construction workers and

six food workers had been diagnosed with MS.

The cause of MS, which occurs when the body's immune system attacks the

protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and

spine, remains unknown.

Symptoms of the disease include muscle weakness and stiffness, balance

and coordination problems, numbness and vision disturbances.

The study showed that painters had almost double the risk of receiving a

disability pension because of MS than the combined group of construction

and food processing workers.

Researchers believe the findings indicate that exposure to organic

solvents might increase the risk of developing MS, though more research

is needed to fully address the association.

[Epidemiology November 2002;13:718-720]

DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

Typically solvent exposure is more strongly associated with another

neurological illness, Parkinson's Disease.

However, it is clear that these toxic chemicals can play all sort of

havoc with the human brain.

Please see the other article on MS in this issue that addresses my

current strategy for treatment.

©Copyright 1997-2002 Dr. ph Mercola.

http://www.mercola.com/2002/nov/27/organic_solvents.htm