Toluene (methylbenzene)
Toluene
What is Toluene?
Toluene is a liquid composed of 7 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms, configured in a 6 atom ring shape with a single atom appendix (CH3C6H5). All substances with a basic ring structure are called aromatic hydrocarbons, as they often have a characteristic “aromatic” smell. Also called methylbenzene.
What products may contain Toluene?
Toluene is a major aromatic constituent of petrol. Toluene is used in household aerosols, nail polish, paints and paint thinners, lacquers, rust inhibitor, adhesives and solvent based cleaning agents.
What are some main emission sources of Toluene?
Sources of toluene emissions to air include: motor vehicles, aircraft, petrol-fuelled implements (such as edgers, blowers and lawn mowers); industries such as rubber manufacturers, petroleum and chemical refineries; manufacturers (and users) of paint, varnishes and laquers; and processes which include for example metal degreasing and printing. The use of Tobacco is also a major source. Monitoring should be considered in any location (such as service stations, manufacturing plants) where the above emissions may collect and where exposure to Toluene may be a possibility.
What is the Primary Target of Toluene and how might this affect my health?
The US Environmental Protection Agency states that “the central nervous system (CNS) is the primary target organ for toluene toxicity for acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures. CNS dysfunction and narcosis have been frequently observed in humans acutely exposed to toluene by inhalation; symptoms include fatigue, sleepiness, headaches, and nausea. Chronic inhalation exposure of humans to toluene also causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, sore throat, dizziness, and headache”. The EPA website also makes reference to serious human developmental effects, however it continues on to state that “these studies are not conclusive due to many confounding variables” (more information can be found on the EPA Health Statement (http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/toluene.html).The US EPA has classified toluene as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
What is the airborne exposure limit for Toluene Vapour?
The Hazardous Substance Information System (HSIS) supplied by the Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council provides an eight (8) hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 50 parts per million (50ppm) and a short term exposure limit (STEL) of 150 parts per million (150ppm). Note that the odour threshold for toluene in air is said to be about 80 parts per billion (ppb), which is about 500 times lower than the level permitted in the workplace. In water, it can be tasted and smelled at a level of 40 ppb.
How might I be exposed to Toluene?
Consumers are most likely to be exposed to toluene by smoking or using consumer products containing toluene (paints, varnish, nail polish, paint cleaners, stain removers, etc.) particularly in areas with poor ventilation. Because toluene is used in many consumer products, and found in tobacco smoke, short-term indoor concentrations may be elevated above the levels considered safe for workers. Workers in the industries that use or produce toluene are at risk of exposure. Consumers can also be exposed to toluene by exposure to emissions from production and processing facilities using toluene, and automotive exhaust. Sniffing glue or paint can also lead to high exposures.
Toluene enters the body predominantly by breathing in contaminated air or tobacco smoke. It may also enter the body if food or water is consumed or if liquid toluene comes into contact with the skin.
How can exposure to Toluene be monitored?
Toluene may be determined in occupational air using collection on adsorbent tubes, solvent desorption and GC/FID analysis. Detection limits depend upon the amount of air sampled and accuracy is very good. Sometimes passive samplers are used (however little performance data is available).
For adsorbent tube samples, samples are collected using personal sampling pumps that have been calibrated, with sampling devices attached, to within ±5% at the recommended flow rate of 50 mL/min. The sampling devices consist of adsorbent tubes that are contained in commercially available tube holders. The devices are connected to the pumps with flexible, non-crimpable tubing. SKC adsorbent charcoal tubes are commonly used, they contain 100 mg of adsorbent in the front section and 50 mg in the back section.
Gas Purge and trap is the most widely used method for the isolation and concentration of VOCs in environmental samples.
The Assessment of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
In many cases the first step in planning an Occupational Hygiene Program is to assess the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all the materials used by an organization, in addition to that of the chemical under investigation, Toluene. In planning the program, GETEX hygienists must take into account any additive effects of a combination of materials, and may also take into account a different time of exposure, for example, a 10 hour working day.
GETEX can help you instigate monitoring and/or devise a site management plan to control your site’s emissions
The staff at GETEX have many years of experience in airborne hazardous material risk assessments including many projects involving the monitoring and management of VOCs including Toluene, Xylene and Formaldehydes. GETEX is ready to recommend and implement cost-effective monitoring programs in any part of Australia and overseas. Together with the administrative assistance and monitoring, GETEX can recommend appropriate engineering controls and Personal Respirable Protective Equipment.
Why Choose GETEX?
- Trained Consultants with many years of experience across a broad range of occupational air quality services
- Trained Consultants employed by Getex are members of Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc (AIOH)
- GETEX offers specialist occupational hygiene advice , 24 hours/7 days a week.
- GETEX carries full professional indemnity insurance
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PLEASE PHONE (02) 9889 2488 and VISIT: www.getex.com.au
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Sources of information used in preparing this webpage
- National Pollutant Inventory (NPI), Department of Environment and Conservation (accessed April, 2007)
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1989), Public Health Statement Toluene (accessed April, 2007)
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2000), ToxFAQS Toluene (accessed April, 2007)
- US Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (2000), Chemical summary for Toluene (accessed April, 2007)
- Australian Safety and Compensation Council (2004), Exposure Standard Toluene (accessed April, 2007).
