Toluene: general information
Updated 5 September 2024
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Overview
Toluene is clear, colourless flammable liquid with a sweet, pungent odour.
Uses of toluene
Toluene is used to manufacture:
- lubricants and greases
- anti-freeze products
- biocides
- non-metal-surface treatment products
- inks and tones
- leather treatment products
- polishes and waxes
- textile treatment products and dyes
- fuels
- adhesives and sealants
It is also a by-product of the process of making coke from coal.
Toluene has been used in the past as a treatment for hookworms and roundworms.
How toluene gets into the environment
Toluene occurs naturally in crude oil and in the Tolu tree. It may also enter the environment after being released from fuels and from evaporation of toluene-containing products such as paint and paint thinners, adhesives, lubricants and anti-freeze. Toluene may also enter surface and ground water after spills, but it does not persist in the environment.
Exposure to toluene
Toluene is widely used, therefore, exposure may occur from a number of sources, including drinking water, food and air. 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. Also breathing in emissions from motor vehicles and aircraft exhausts will expose people to toluene. Glue sniffing and smoking are both potential sources of exposure to toluene.
How exposure to toluene can affect your health
The presence of toluene in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects, you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking the substance or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects that you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals. Toluene can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, lungs and skin.
Toluene can be absorbed through the skin and pass into the blood stream although this is rare.
Breathing in vapours from toluene can cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat and airways. Once in the blood system it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, sickness and memory problems. Exposure to large amounts of toluene (for example, from glue sniffing) can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, coma, heart problems and even death.
Drinking toluene can cause stomach-ache and vomiting. It can be easily absorbed into the blood system where it causes similar problems as described above.
Frequent low exposures to toluene can cause heart problems, kidney problems, low blood potassium and muscle weakness.
Toluene and cancer
Toluene is not considered to be carcinogenic.
There is inadequate evidence in humans to assess if toluene causes cancer and available animal data does not indicate that toluene is carcinogenic.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
Toluene may cause harm to the unborn child if the mother is exposed to large amounts, such as from solvent abuse.
Children
Children exposed to toluene will have the same symptoms as adults.
What to do if you are exposed to toluene
You should remove yourself from the source of exposure.
If you have got toluene on your skin remove soiled clothing (not over the head), wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
If you have got toluene in your eyes remove contact lenses, wash the affected area with lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
If you have inhaled or ingested toluene, seek medical advice.
Additional sources of information
UK Tetralogy Information Service (UKTIS) Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
NHS.UK has more information on poisoning
NHS.UK has information in drug addiction
FRANK has information on glues, gases and aerosols
The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.