Hi, I ve been working with Xylene for 6 years. During this time (within first year) I developed Fibromyelgia, Chronic Fatigue, Anxiety, a feeling that I ve lost some sensation and co-ordination in my hands and patches of skin that occasionally become supersensitive. I used to feel intoxicated while working in the lab but by the time I got home was super aggressive and angry. I no longer feel intoxicated when working with it. After 4 years I noticed when working with Xylene my face began to burn/itch. In the last two weeks I have developed irritation in the Trachea immediately after commencing a major project with Xylene. It settles down when I go home but immediately on entering the lab the trachea gets irritated and I cough. How do I know if it is the Xylene causing me problems?
Xylene is a pretty toxic organic solvent. It certainly affects the liver, and liver function tests are necessary. Likely also to affect nerves. A nerve conduction test can show if the nerves are sick BUT, there isn't good treatment for it except stop exposure and hope. It would take months for the nerves to correct themselves. Then lung exposure to xylene can cause lung fibrosis. This is testable with lung function tests (x-ray, spirometry, but mainly diffusion testing).