Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) 

Stoddard Solvent Toxicity

Course: SS3057
Revision Date: October 2000
Original Date: September 1993
CE Expiration Date: October 18, 2006

Key Concepts

Stoddard solvent is a petroleum distillate fraction containing C₇—C₁₂ hydrocarbons. It consists primarily of straight-chain and branched-chain alkanes and cycloalkanes; it may contain up to 20% aromatic hydrocarbons.

Stoddard solvent may be released to the environment during its manufacture and use as a commercial solvent. Industries that use Stoddard solvent include dry cleaning, metal degreasing, and painting.

Human health effects from chronic exposure to low environmental levels of Stoddard solvent are not known.

Authorship

ATSDR/DHEP Revision Authors

Kimberly E. Gehle, MD, MPH; Deanna K. Harkins, MD, MPH; Teresa Nastoff, BSN; Dianyi Yu, MD

ATSDR/DHEP Revision Planners

Diane Dennis-Flagler, MPH; Patricia Drehobl, RN, MPH (CDC/PHPPO); Kimberly E. Gehle, MD, MPH; Ralph O'Connor Jr, PhD; Pamela Tucker, MD

Revision Editors

Pamela S. Wigington

Original Contributor

Linda Cocchiarella, MD, MSc; Daniel Hryhorczuk, MD, MPH

Original Peer Reviewers

John Ambre, MD, PhD; Charles Becker, MD; Jonathan Borak, MD; Alan Hall, MD; Richard J. Jackson, MD, MPH; Jonathan Rodnick, MD

Original Air Force Peer Reviewer

Bruce Poitrast, MD, MPH

Each content expert for this case study indicated no conflict of interest to disclose with the case study subject matter.

ATSDR Publication No.: ATSDR-HE-CS-2001-0004

Notes

This monograph is one in a series of self-instructional publications designed to increase the primary care provider's knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially exposed patients. See the Accreditation section for more information about continuing medical education credits, continuing nursing education units, and continuing education units.

Disclaimer

The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this monograph, ATSDR has made diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but makes no claim that the document comprehensively addresses all possible situations related to this substance. This monograph is intended as an additional resource for physicians and other health professionals in assessing the condition and managing the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances. It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of a health care provider. The document must be interpreted in light of specific information regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.

Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not signify endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Next Section