November 16, 2001 ATLANTA (AP) - Repeated exposure to a chemical found in some car maintenance products can cause nerve problems, including numbness in the hands, feet and forearms, the CDC said.
In extreme cases, the chemical solvent n-hexane, found in some products used to clean and de-grease engines, can lead to loss of motor skills, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The warning follows a study by health officials in California, who found that three mechanics reported the numbness and tingling after using some products with n-hexane, including a brake cleaner that contained up to 60 percent n-hexane.
Most of the car-cleaning products come in aerosol form, and the nerve damage is likely caused by inhalation, the CDC said. The condition of the nerves typically improves when the exposure to n-hexane stops.
N-hexane is also found in some glues, spray paints, coatings, silicones and other products. It has been linked to nerve problems among workers at printing plants and furniture factories in Europe, Asia and the United States.
The CDC said the California report was the first time the problems had been detected in automotive industry workers.
The agency urged mechanics to avoid repeated exposure to the chemical.
Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
