ABSTRACT
In an attempt to assess and appraise a field of scientific or medical interest the individual is always presented with a residual assortment of items. To derive any theme from such an array of molecular structures within the sphere of ototoxicity would be tenuous. Industrial solvents have been investigated as potential toxic agents within many different disciplines. However, has it been recognized that such compounds may also effect both audiological and vestibular function. The pathophysiological events following carbon monoxide poisoning are of a general tissue hypoxia due to the displacement of oxygen from hemoglobin, with the resultant formation of carboxyhemoglobin. Measurable levels of carboxyhemoglobin are to be found in subjects exposed to methylene chloride, a solvent used for cellulose acetate and also as a cleaning fluid. A major metabolite of methylene chloride is carbon monoxide and as such, V. R. Putz et al. showed that the inhalation of carbon monoxide or methylene chloride have the same behavioral effects.
