Toluene

From DictionGloss

A light colorless liquid solvent found in many commonly abused inhalants, including airplane glue, paint sprays, and paint and nail polish removers.

Toluene is a colorless liquid widely used as raw material in the production of organic compounds and as a solvent. It is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and, to a lesser degree, through the skin. Toluene is distributed throughout the body, with accumulation in tissues with high lipid content. It is metabolized in the liver, primarily to hippuric acid and benzoyl glucuronide, compounds that are rapidly excreted in the urine.

In humans and animals, the primary effect associated with inhalation exposure to toluene is central nervous system (CNS) depression. Short-term exposure of humans to 100-1500 ppm has elicited CNS effects such as fatigue, confusion, incoordination, and impairments in reaction time, perception, and motor control and function. Exposure to concentrations ranging from 10,000-30,000 ppm has resulted in narcosis and deaths. Prolonged abuse of toluene or solvent mixtures containing toluene has led to permanent CNS effects. Exposure to high concentrations of toluene (1500 ppm) has produced hearing loss in rats. Hepatomegaly and impaired liver and kidney function have been reported in some humans chronically exposed to toluene. Toluene vapors may cause eye irritation, and prolonged or repeated dermal contact may produce drying of skin and dermatitis.