Reproductive and developmental toxicity of solvents and gases
This chapter is focused on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of selected environmentally relevant volatile solvents and gasses to which inhalation is a primary route of exposure in humans. Limited data are available regarding the human reproductive and developmental toxicity of carbon tetrachloride, styrene, gasoline, kerosene, and jet fuels. Indirect or direct exposure to tetrachloroethylene has been associated with risks of pregnancy outcomes in women and reproductive dysfunctions in men. Toluene and benzene have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in experimental animals. In general, very limited data exist to characterize reproductive and developmental toxicity risk following exposure to solvents. In this chapter we summarize existing health agency assessments, published literature, and reviews which support them on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of selected solvents.