In utero exposure to organic solvents and human neurodevelopment.

Recent reports of growth and mental retardation in infants whose mothers abused solvent-containing substances, and of an association between central nervous system malformations and solvent exposure, have suggested that in utero exposure to organic solvents may have a profound effect on the development of the human brain. The present investigation compared the neurobehavioral development of 41 children whose mothers worked with organic solvents during pregnancy with a group of matched, unexposed children. The children were compared on a variety of measures, including the McCarthy Scales of General Abilities, growth (weight, height and head circumference) and mother's report of developmental milestones, behavior and personality. Potential confounders were controlled for in multiple regression analyses. Despite adequate power, no differences could be found between the two groups on any of the measures of neurobehavioral development or growth. This study suggests that in utero exposure to relatively low levels of organic solvent is not associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.