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. 1984 Nov 1;131(9):1077–1079.

Peripheral neuropathy following intentional inhalation of naphtha fumes.

M Tenenbein, W deGroot, K R Rajani
PMCID: PMC1483777  PMID: 6093978

Abstract

Two adolescent native Canadians who presented with peripheral neuropathy secondary to the abuse of volatile hydrocarbons are described. They were initially thought to have been sniffing leaded gasoline fumes, but public health investigation revealed that they had been sniffing naphtha fumes. Naphtha contains a significant amount of n-hexane, a known inducer of neuropathy. Nerve conduction studies and nerve biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of naphtha abuse. These cases emphasize the need to specifically identify the formulation of hydrocarbons being abused.

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Selected References

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