Neurological effects of chronic occupational exposure to alcohol mists and vapors in a machinist

Figures & data

Figure 1. Exposure circumstances. (A) Lathe. (B) Gallon bottle of 200 proof ethanol. (C) Type of squirt bottle used to spray ethanol directly onto hot cutting surfaces; (D) Relationship between worker’s breathing zone and source of exposure to 100% ethanol vapors.

Figure 2. Time-exposure-symptoms-line. This time line shows the chronology of events in this case report from onset of the worker’s symptoms when he first switched to using ethanol as cutting fluid, through to the time when he finally stopped using it and began to recover from the effects of his chronic exposure.

Table 1. Occupational exposure and medical histories.

Subject	Exposure history	Medical history	Family medical history
Age: 50 years Gender: Male Height: 165 cm Weight: 78 kg	+ Metals (aluminum, manganese, mercury) + Solvents (ethanol, acetone, dichloroethane, methanol, kerosene, toluene)	+ Hypertension + Anxiety + Seasonal allergies - Smoking - Alcohol abuse - Recreational drug use - Head injury - Cerebrovascular disease - Lyme disease	- FHx neurologic disease - FHx psychiatric disorders