Toluene in NATURAL RUBBER often exceeds these limits. Look at a test result to be sure.

Two groups of middle aged workers, one with previous occupational exposure to solvents and

one without, were exposed once to 100 ppm (400 mg/m³) of toluene for 6.5 hours (Baelum et al.,

1985). Fatigue, sleepiness, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose and throat irritation were

reported. Decrements in manual dexterity, color discrimination, and accuracy in visual perception

were also observed. Greater sensitivity to toluene was noted for those subjects with previous

solvent exposure.

Nasal mucus flow, lung function, psychometric performance, and subjective responses were

studied in 16 young healthy males exposed to toluene concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 ppm

(40 mg/m³ to 400 mg/m³) for 6 hours (Andersen et al, 1983). Headaches, dizziness, a feeling of

intoxication, and slight eye and upper respiratory irritation were reported at 100 ppm. The

subjects also reported that it became more difficult to participate in the battery of psychometric

tests and that their reaction time felt impaired at 100 ppm. No significant objective changes

compared to control exposures were observed in the performance test results. No symptoms

were reported at 10 and 40 ppm.

A battery of neurobehavioral and performance tests was conducted among 42 young men and

women exposed by inhalation for 7 hours to 0, 75, and 150 ppm (0, 280, and 560 mg/m³) toluene

(Echeverria et al., 1989). Statistically significant decrements in visual short term memory, visual

perception, and psychomotor skills were observed at 150 ppm compared to control exposures. A

dose-dependent increase in subjective symptoms of headache and eye irritation was also observed.

Wilson (1943) reported that workers exposed to concentrations of commercial toluene ranging

from 50 to 200 ppm (200 to 750 mg/m³) for periods of 1 to 3 weeks experienced headaches,

lassitude, and loss of appetite. At 200 to 500 ppm (750 to 2,000 mg/m³), symptoms of nausea,

Determination of Acute Reference Exposure Levels for Airborne Toxicants

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C - 327 - Toluene

bad taste in the mouth, slightly impaired coordination and reaction time, and temporary memory

loss were also observed. Exposure to 500 to 1,500 ppm (2,000 to 5,600 mg/m³) resulted in

palpitations, extreme weakness, pronounced loss of coordination, and impaired reaction time.

Red blood cell counts were decreased and there were 2 cases of aplastic anemia. The

hematologic effects were most likely caused by benzene impurities (ACGIH, 1986).

Three volunteer subjects exposed by inhalation to toluene concentrations ranging from 50 to 100

ppm (200 to 400 mg/m³), 8 hours per day, 2 times per week over 8 weeks experienced fatigue,

drowsiness, and headaches (von Oettingen et al., 1942). At 200 to 800 ppm (750 to 3,000

mg/m³), symptoms of muscular weakness, confusion, impaired coordination, paresthesia, and

nausea were also reported. After exposure to 800 ppm, all 3 subjects reported considerable aftereffects

(severe nervousness, muscular fatigue, and insomnia) lasting several days.