Organic solvents and chronic glomerulonephritis: a cross-sectional study with negative findings for aliphatic and alicyclic C5-C7 hydrocarbons

Abstract

Proteinuria, albuminuria, urinary beta-glucuronidase and serum creatinine were estimated in 182 workers exposed to organic solvents in four shoe factories, as well as 30 workers with past exposure and 80 control subjects. Ambient air concentrations at each workplace were also measured. In most of these samples, the concentration of organic solvents exceeded the ACGIH recommended threshold limit value for the mixture. Total protein excretion was significantly elevated in exposed workers, although none of the workers had abnormal albuminuria or serum creatinine. Four had increased lysozymuria. There was also a simultaneous elevation of beta-glucuronidase. These findings suggest that a mild and presumably reversible tubular lesion, but not glomerular damage, may occur in workers occupationally exposed to C5-C7 hydrocarbon mixtures.