Frequently Asked Questions
TOLUENE

What is TOLUENE?

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, strong odor. Toluene evaporates easily. This chemical can be 
detected in air, water and soil.

Where is toluene found and how is it used?

Toluene occurs naturally in crude oil and in the tolu tree. Mostly, it is found in the environment due to human 
activities. Toluene is added to gasoline with benzene and xylene to improve combustion and reduce 
“knocking” in engines. It is also a solvent used to make paints, paint thinner, perfume, fingernail polish, 
lacquers, adhesives and other chemical products.

How can people be exposed to toluene?

You could be exposed to toluene through:

Breathing toluene vapors where toluene is processed. You can also be exposed from automobile exhaust 
and from paint and adhesive vapors that build up in indoor air. Tobacco smoke contains toluene. Some 
people are harmed by sniffing or inhaling toluene vapors to get “high.”

Drinking water containing toluene. Liquid toluene can enter water from spills or factory releases. It can also 
enter groundwater from leaks in underground storage tanks.

How does toluene work and how can it affect my health?

Short-term exposure to airborne toluene affects the central nervous system. Symptoms are tiredness, 
dizziness, confusion, headache, and impaired hand coordination. Toluene can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and 
throat.

Breathing very high levels can cause a person to lose consciousness. It can be deadly. Long-term, repeated 
exposure to airborne toluene affects the nervous system. Symptoms are spasms, tremors, hearing loss, 
diminished vision and memory loss. The short and long-term effects of drinking water with high levels of 
toluene are thought to be like the effects of breathing the vapors. It is not known if toluene causes cancer.

How is toluene poisoning treated?

There is no treatment for toluene poisoning. Treatment depends on the type of exposure. A physician will treat 
the symptoms.

What should I do if exposed to toluene?

If toluene gets on your skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash thoroughly with soap and water. Get 
medical attention.

If you get toluene in your eyes, flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes. Get medical help right 
away.

If you breathe toluene, move to fresh air. Get medical help right away.

If you swallow toluene, get medical help right away.

What factors limit use or exposure to toluene?

At work, reduce exposure by following health and safety rules. Wear respirators and other personal protective 
equipment. Follow label directions when using products containing toluene, and use them in well ventilated 
areas.

Is there a medical test to show whether I’ve been exposed to toluene?

Tests of exhaled breath, urine and blood can measure the level of exposure to toulene and its breakdown 
products.

Technical information for toluene

CAS Number: 108-88-3
Chemical Formula: C7H8
Carcinogenicity (EPA): D – Not Classifiable
MCL (Drinking Water): 0.001 mg/L
OSHA Standards: 200 ppm 8-hour Time Weighted Average.
NIOSH Standards: 100 ppm 8-hour Time Weighted Average. IDLH – 500 ppm
ACGIH: 50 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average.

References and Sources

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Toluene (Update). September, 
2000.

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Toluene. On-line 
version, http://nj.gov/hhealth/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1866/pdf  - Accessed 1/4/10.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.
On-line version, www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0619.html  - Accessed 1/4/10.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. Consumer Fact Sheet: 
Toluene. http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/contaminants/dw_contamfs/toluene.html  - Accessed 1/4/10.



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