Organic Solvent-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease

Organic solvents are carbon-based substances capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances. Many classes of chemicals are used as organic solvents, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, amines, esters, ethers, ketones, and nitrated or chlorinated hydrocarbons.

They are used in paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, glues, and in degreasing and cleaning agents, and in the production of dyes, polymers, plastics, textiles, printing inks, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals.

The health effects associated with occupational exposure to organic solvents have long been recognised. Studies have shown both acute (short-term) and chronic (persistent) effects, particularly on the central nervous system, in workers exposed to solvents. Symptoms include neurological symptoms (including trembling of hands, tingling in arms and legs, dropping things by accident), mood (short temper, irritability) and memory and concentration problems.

A lesser known fact is that chronic exposure to organic solvents can also damage your kidneys. Scare research seems to show that the mechanisms behind organic solvents causing chronic kidney disease are obscure[1]. A direct toxic effect does not seem probable considering the frequent exposure to organic solvents in modern society and the fairly low incidence of this disease. The possibility of the solvents initiating, mediating or in some other way taking part in immunologic reactions appears more attractive. The general impression after reviewing the presented investigations is, that the possibility of a causal association between moderate hydrocarbon exposure and renal disease must be considered substantial. The indications are strong enough to state that individuals with signs of renal dysfunction or manifest renal disease should not be exposed to organic solvents.

So, would glue-sniffing (otherwise known as sniffing, huffing or bagging), a pathetic and cheap way to get high by inhaling organic solvents in (usually) glue, acetone, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or butane, risk having kidney problems too? The answer, not surprisingly, is yes[2].

We would like to suggest to call this particular variant: Organic Solvent-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease.

[1] Askergren: Solvents and the Kidney in Progress in Clinical and Biological Research -1986
[2] Yurtseven et al: A 'glue sniffer' Teenager With Anuric Renal Failure and Hepatitis in Turkish Journal of Pediatrics - 2019