The acute neurological symptoms are accompanied by severe metabolic alterations, as well as organ injury and dysfunction. Toluene, reagent grade created by global safety management, inc. Toluene intoxication due to intentional inhalation is a common admission diagnosis in mexico and it can lead to death. In addition, the following observations have been made. It has moderate acute shortterm toxicity on aquatic life. It dissolves other substances easily and evaporates quickly into the air. The substance is not regulated in an annex to the cosmetics directive nor has it been evaluated by the sccnfpsccp before. Groups of 60 male and 60 female fischer 344 rats, six to seven weeks of age, were administered toluene purity. A total of 20 male rabbits were used as control and experimental groups. An interim sacrifice was carried out at 15 months on control and 1200 ppm groups 10sexgroup to conduct hematology and histopathology of the brain, liver, and kidney.
Toluene is the simplest member of the class toluenes consisting of a benzene core which bears a single methyl substituent. Acute toxicity refers to those adverse effects occurring following oral or dermal administration of a single dose of a substance, or multiple doses given within 24 hours, or an. Acute toluene intoxicationclinical presentation, management. Moreover, nerve growth factor ngf, tumor necrosis factoralpha tnfalpha, dopamine da, and glial fibrillary acidic protein gfap tests were. Safety and health topics toluene health hazards and. Toxicology studies were con ducted by administering toluene greater than 99% pure in corn oil by gavage to groups of f344n rats and b6c3f1 mice of each. In case of skin contact wash off with soap and plenty of water. Moreover, nerve growth factor ngf, tumor necrosis factoralpha tnfalpha, dopamine da, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. To generate toluene vapor, the liquid material was heated, and the vapor was diluted with nitrogen and mixed with the chamber ventilation air.
The central nervous system cns is the primary target organ for toluene toxicity in both humans and animals for acute shortterm and chronic longterm exposures. It is not intended to be a comprehensive treatise on the chemical or toxicological nature of toluene. The users attention is drawn to the possible existence of additional provisions which complete these regulations. The hallmarks of toluene intoxication are hypokalemic paralysis and metabolic acidosis. Although toluene xylene mix is considered toxic to aquatic organisms, it does not mix with water and will tend to float on the surface. Last revised 09232005 the rfd is an estimate of an oral exposure, for a given duration, to the human population including susceptible subgroups that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of. Specific target organ toxicity repeated 2 may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. In this design, up to 20 mthr of crude toluene enters the feed tank at 60. See working with the information on this page section below for important notes about this data. Chemicals listed effective august 7, 2009 as known to the state of california to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Cns dysfunction which is often reversible and narcosis have been frequently observed in humans acutely exposed to low or moderate levels of toluene by inhalation. May 31, 2017 keep toluene containing products tightly covered when not in use to prevent evaporation.
A number of case reports describe neonatal effects that have been attributed to toluene abuse during pregnancy. Cdc niosh pocket guide to chemical hazards toluene. Exposure to toluene may occur from breathing ambient or indoor air affected by such sources. Pdf acute toluene intoxicationclinical presentation.
Toluene is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid that is naturally found in petroleum. Use of toluene is increasing, in part because of its popularity as a solvent replacement for benzene. It plays a role in how your page is seen by search engine crawlers, and how it appears in serps. Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. Many organic solvents have great addictive potential. Human studies have, in general, only reported minor changes in. There is a lowpressure steam coil in the 304 stainless steel feed tank. The major problem of toluene toxicity concerns its narcotic effects on workers, causing symptoms and signs such as muscular weakness, incoordination, and mental confusion which may pose a risk to both the worker and others. This website and underlying databases are maintained and updated by pesticide action network north america pan. It is added to gasoline at 5 to 7 percent by weight to improve the octane rating. Vapor may cause eye irritation experienced as mild discomfort, tearing, and redness.
Department of health and human services, public health service. In addition to the products mentioned above, toluene is commonly used. Studies in humans indicate that the common analgesics, acetaminophen and aspirin, might inhibit toluene metabolism and influence toluene toxicity. In section 6, major conclusions in the characterization of hazard and dose response. The effect of toluene on benzene metabolism and toxicity. It is categorized as such because of the presence of carbon c atoms in. The chosen idlh seems reasonable based on the statements by patty 1963 and ansi 1973. Synonyms include methyl benzene, methyl benzol, phenyl methane, and toluol. Pdf horizontal gene transfer to endogenous endophytic. An increase in liver and kidney weights at a high dose 450 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight or mgkgday of toluene and toxicity to those organs at higher doses was observed in an oral exposure rat study. Industrial use of toluene as a solvent replacement for the more toxic benzene is increasing.
Toluene and xylene are strong compounds that are used in many household and industrial products. Exposure to toluene can cause eye and nose irritation, tiredness, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache, dilated pupils, tears, anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia, nerve damage, inflammation of the skin, and liver and kidney damage. The acute phase effects of toluene on the brain have been investigated in this study using rabbit brain via histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods. December 3, 2015 the dow chemical company page 2 of 8 in the aquatic and terrestrial environment, tdi reacts with water forming insoluble polyureas that are chemically and biologically inert. It is a methylbenzene, a volatile organic compound and a member of toluenes. Safety data sheet toluene reference, fuel grade version 1.
Toluene in sewage and sludge in wastewater treatment plants. Before the year 2000, the presence of the aromatic hydrocarbons was assigned only to. Toluene, also known as methylbenzene, is an organic chemical compound. Toluene vapours are irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract. However, it has been evaluated by the scientific committee on toxicology, ecotoxicology and environment sctee in its opinion of 12 june 2001. Toluene methylbenzene national pollutant inventory.
It is used as a solvent in paints, adhesives, ink, and cleaning compounds. Toluene is also highly flammable and may catch on fire if exposed to heat or flames. Toluene is also an irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. People may breathe in small amounts of toluene when using products containing toluene, for example machine wash detergents, car care products fragrances and air fresheners. Toluene is added to gasoline, used to produce benzene, and used as a solvent. It has a role as a nonpolar solvent, a cholinergic antagonist, a neurotoxin and a fuel additive.
The oral toxicity of toluene was investigated in this subchronic gavage study in f344 rats. Groups of 10 ratssexgroup were administered toluene in corn oil at dosage levels of 0, 312,625, 1250,2500, or 5000 mgkg for 5 daysweek for weeks. General toxicity the main target organ of toluene induced toxicity is the central nervous system cns. Identification of the substancemixture and of the supplier. The fetotoxic effects of toluene have been demonstrated in controlled studies in animals and are comparable to those observed in humans who have abused toluenecontaining products before or during pregnancy. Chemical properties of toluene cas 108883 download as pdf file download as excel file download as 2d mole file predict. Toluene maximum concentration 500 ppm na osha z2 toluene twa 200 ppm na osha z2 toluene twa 20 ppm na acgih note. The crude toluene is then pumped through the vaporizer rated for 2. Effects of acute toluene toxicity on different regions of. Unlikely under normal occupational exposures, but swallowing a minor amount may result in nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, headache, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. In the air it quickly is reacted into other chemicals, in the water and soil bacteria break it down. Do not use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. Safety data sheet northwest missouri state university.
Toluene exposure has not been generally associated with liver toxicity 4,9, although acute fatty. Gasoline contains 5% to 7% toluene by weighty making toluene a common airborne contaminant in industrialized countries. Most acute cases of toluene toxicity occur in young males aged 1119 years who participate in glue sniffing as a group activity, but cases have been reported in people in their 50s and 60s. It is categorized as such because of the presence of carbon c atoms in its chemical formula, c7h8. In a study 58 of 15 patients with bilateral optic neuropathy secondary to toluene toxicity, treatment of all patients revealed that 6 patients had improved visual acuities of two or more lines, 3 of whom showed normal p100 peak latency in the pattern visual evoked cortical potentials. Once toluene xylene mix is blended into a gasoline product, releases into the environment are limited to accidental spills and leaks of the gasoline product. This conversion may have resulted in character translation or format errors. Specific target organ toxicity single exposure 3 may cause drowsiness or dizziness. All atsdr toxicological profile pdf files are electronic conversions from paper copy or other electronic ascii text files.
Pdf toluene is one of the most widely abused inhaled drugs due to its acute neurologic effects including euphoria and subsequent depression. Toluene methylbenzene, toluol, phenylmethane is an aromatic hydrocarbon c7 h8 commonly used as an industrial solvent for the manufacturing of paints, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and rubber. The first four seem to be involved in the hydroxylation of toluene to benzyl alcohol. Sep 26, 2019 all atsdr toxicological profile pdf files are electronic conversions from paper copy or other electronic ascii text files. Oct 21, 2014 toluene should be stored indoors in a standard flammable liquids room or cabinet that is separate from oxidizing materials.
Pdf toluene is one of the most widely abused inhaled drugs due to its acute neurologic effects including euphoria and subsequent. This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Environmental alert toluenes use is increasing partially because of its popularity as a solvent replacement for benzene. Opinion of the scientific committee on consumer products. Toluene and xylene poisoning can occur when someone swallows these substances, breathes in their fumes, or when these substances touch the skin. Aug 18, 2015 toluene intoxication due to intentional inhalation is a common admission diagnosis in mexico and it can lead to death. Toluene inhalation can lead to a toxic optic neuropathy.
Toluene safety in the workplace occupational safety and. Cyp2e1 seems to be the primary enzyme in the hydroxylation of toluene, accounting for roughly 44% of toluene metabolism. Toluene is a widely used industrial solvent, and humans may also have high exposures to toluene from the deliberate inhalation sniffing of paint reducer, paint thinner, or paint for their narcotic effects. If your well water has high levels of toluene, contact your local or state health agency or the centers for disease control and prevention cdc for information on how to reduce your exposure. Keep toluenecontaining products tightly covered when not in use to prevent evaporation. Reacts chemically with nitrogen oxides, or halogens to form nitrotoluene. If inhaled if breathed in, move person into fresh air. Studies show that bioconcentration accumulation in the aquatic food chain is unlikely.
Employers are required to train all workers who use materials containing toluene about the health and safety hazards of toluene, how to recognize exposure to toluene, and the protective measures that apply to the use of toluene in the specific work area. Salicylates can competitively inhibit toluene metabolism. October 27, 2012 the dow chemical company page 4 of 7 health information12 eye contact contact may cause moderate irritation with moderate corneal injury. Pdf acute toluene intoxicationclinical presentation, management. Last revised 09232005 the rfd is an estimate of an oral exposure, for a given duration, to the human population including susceptible subgroups that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse health effects over a lifetime. Toluene is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzenelike odor. The acute toxic effects following inhalation of toluene are summarised in the table. The cns is the primary target organ for toluene toxicity in both humans and animals for acute and chronic exposures. Change in the identification of reproductive toxicity endpoints in the listing of toluene as known to cause reproductive toxicity. At present it is generally assumed that the maximal permissible concentration of toluene is about 200 parts per million parts of. Toluene has caused membrane damage to the leaves in plants.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Chemicals proposed for listing by the labor code mechanism reproductive and developmental. General toxicity the main target organ of tolueneinduced toxicity is the central nervous system cns. Toluene page 2 of 6 determining your exposure read the product manufacturers material safety data sheet msds and the label to determine product ingredients and important safety and health information about the product mixture. Toluene, also known as methylbenzene, phenylmethane or toluol is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet smell. Toluene is used extensively as a solvent in the lacquer industry, and in the explosives industry it plays an important role as a starting material for trinitrotoluene. Longterm toluene exposure is often associated with effects such as.