Industrial solvents and kidney disease.

Scientific literature addressing the association of industrial exposures to solvents with glomerular kidney disease is reviewed. The role of the practicing physician in taking an occupational history of exposures to solvents in every case of glomerulonephritis is emphasized. Based on case studies and epidemiologic findings, it is highly probable that exposures to industrial solvents should be considered as a factor in the causation of kidney disease. The need for more frequent reporting is discussed.