Behavioral toxicology of solvents

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Abstract
Volatile organic solvents exhibit a range of behavioral effects from the insidiously toxic to the beneficial. Solvents impair performance in a concentration‐dependent manner that depends on the unique physicochemical properties of each solvent. The toxic effects of solvents range greatly but, at sufficient concentrations, or after prolonged exposure, neurotoxic effects are often seen. Many solvents are both self‐administered and exhibit noxious properties. Solvents may produce some of their primary behavioral effects by altering γ‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA) function. Further studies related to mechanism may lead to a better understanding of means to protect individuals from the effects of solvent exposure, as well as further our knowledge of solvent abuse. Solvents activate the stress axis and, as such, their neuroendocrine effects deserve further characterization, because chronic exposure may result in altered neuronal activity similar to that associated with chronic stress. Methods have been developed to assess for risk of the effects of exposure to solvents, detailing the lowest levels of solvent expected to produce behavioral impairment. Results from these procedures should be applied to the different end points described.

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