| TOLUENE
Also known as: Toluol, Methylbenzene, Phenylmethane
Chemical reference number (CAS): 108-88-3
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WHAT IS TOLUENE?
Toluene is a common ingredient in degreasers. It’s a colorless liquid with a sweet
smell and taste. It evaporates quickly. Toluene is found naturally in crude oil. It’s
used in oil refining and the manufacturing of paints, lacquers, explosives (TNT) and
glues. In homes, toluene may be found in paint thinners, paint brush cleaners, nail
polish, glues, inks and stain removers. Toluene is also found in car exhaust and the smoke
from cigarettes.
When toluene is spilled on the ground or improperly disposed, it can seep into soil and
contaminate nearby wells and streams. Toluene can remain unchanged for a long time in soil
or water that is not in contact with air.
HOW ARE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO TOLUENE?
Breathing: People are often exposed to high levels of toluene when
they breathe vapors from paints, paint thinners, or glues. Breathing gasoline or car
exhaust will also result in some exposure to toluene. People who live near industries
using toluene may be exposed to the chemical in the air. If home water supplies are
contaminated, people may inhale the chemical while washing, bathing or using water for
other household purposes.
Some people intentionally inhale toluene to get "high." These people can be
exposed to hazardous levels of the chemical.
Drinking/Eating: People may be exposed by drinking contaminated water,
handling contaminated soils or touching their mouths or eating with dirty hands.
Touching: Although the chemical may irritate the skin, it passes
through the skin slowly. People can be exposed to toluene when they touch the chemical,
touch contaminated soil, or bathe in contaminated water.
DO STANDARDS EXIST FOR REGULATING TOLUENE?
Water: The Wisconsin drinking water standard is 343 parts per billion
(ppb) of toluene. We suggest you stop drinking water that contains higher levels. If
levels of toluene are very high in your water, you should avoid washing, bathing, or using
the water for other purposes. Contact your local public health agency for more information
specific to your situation.
Air: No standards exist for the amount of toluene allowed in the air
of homes. We use a formula to convert work place limits to suggested home limits. Based on
the formula, we recommend levels be no higher than 4 parts per million (ppm) of toluene in
air. Most people can’t smell toluene until levels reach 0.16 - 37 ppm. If you can
smell the chemical, the level may be too high to be safe.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulates the amount of toluene that can
be released by industries.
WILL EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE RESULT IN HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS?
The following symptoms may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to levels over
100 ppm of toluene in air;
- Tiredness, dizziness, headache, loss of coordination or hearing, euphoria, insomnia
- Nausea
- Eye and nose irritation
- Rapid delay of reaction time, unconsciousness, and death at levels of 4,000 ppm
The worst effects of exposure to toluene have occurred in deliberate abusers of
toluene. Most studies of workers exposed to moderate levels of toluene show no harmful
health effects.
The following health effects can occur after several years of exposure to toluene:
Cancer: Research shows that toluene is unlikely to cause cancer.
Reproductive Effects: There are no indications toluene causes damage
to reproductive organs. Toluene may affect the development of unborn babies.
Organ Systems: Damage to the brain, liver, bone marrow and kidneys can
occur.
In general, chemicals affect the same organ systems in all people who are exposed.
However, the seriousness of the effects may vary from person to person. A person's
reaction depends on several things, including individual health, heredity, previous
exposure to chemicals including medicines, and personal habits such as smoking or
drinking.
It’s also important to consider the length of exposure to the chemical; the amount
of chemical exposure; and whether the chemical was inhaled, touched, or eaten.
CAN A MEDICAL TEST DETERMINE EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE?
The breakdown products of toluene, hipparic acid and cresol, can be measured in urine
within 12 hours of a high level exposure. These measurements may not predict possible
future health effects. Other medical tests may be helpful in determining damage to the
nervous system, kidneys or liver.
Seek medical advice if you have any symptoms that you think may be related to chemical
exposure.
(PPH 4351 Revised 3/2000)
This fact sheet summarizes information about this chemical and is not a complete
listing of all possible effects. It does not refer to work exposure or emergency
situations.
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