Toxic anosmia and rhinitis due to occupational solvent exposure

A patient's case report documents the development of anosmia and rhinitis caused by occupational exposure to organic solvents, including tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexanone, acetone and other ketones. Physicians should inquire about possible mucosal irritation or prenarcotic symptoms during exposure. If an occupational disease is assumed, notification must be sent to the Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention (Berufsgenossenschaft). Some diseases, for example olfactory disorders due to chemical mixtures, are not included in the German list of occupational diseases. In this case, a special law (Sozialgesetzbuch VII) regulates compensation.