Toluene/xylene Health Article

Definition

Toluene and xylene are powerful compounds that are found in many household and industrial substances. Toluene and xylene poisoning can occur when someone swallows these substances, breathes in their vapors, or when these substances touch the skin.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Toluene (methylbenzene, phenylmethane)
• Xylene (ortho xylene, meta-xylene, para-xylene)

Where Found

• Fingernail polish
• Glues/adhesives
• Lacquers
• Octane booster in gasoline
• Paints
• Paint thinners
• Printing and leather tanning processes
• Rubber and plastic cements
• Wood stains

Note: This list may not include all sources of toluene/xylene.

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Burning pain
  • Hearing loss
• Gastrointestinal
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Irregular heartbeat
• Kidneys
  • Kidney damage
• Lungs and airways
  • Chemical pneumonia
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
• Nervous system
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Exaggerated feeling of well-being (euphoria)
  • Headache
  • Memory loss
  • Nervousness
  • Staggering
  • Tremors
  • Unconsciousness
• Skin
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Pale skin

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number