Toluene Lawsuit Research: The Danger of Toluene exposure in Humans, Toluene Law Firm

Dysfunction of the central nervous system and narcosis are the major effects of acute exposure to toluene. The danger to humans includes rritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract can also result. Inhalational abuse of toluene with high level exposure for long periods of time has produced progressive and irreversible changes in brain structure and function (Spencer and Schaumberg, 1985).

Two separate workplace incidents involving acute inhalation exposure to toluene in several workers resulted in effects of euphoria, drunkenness, dizziness, nausea, confusion, incoordination, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness (Longley et al., 1967). The toluene concentrations were estimated at 10,000 to 30,000 ppm (40,000 to 110,000 mg/m³) although no actual measurements were made. No long-term follow-up of the exposed workers was conducted.

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, 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.

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