Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) 

Toluene Toxicity

Course: SS3061
Date: February 2001
Original Date: August 1993
CE Expiration Date: February 28, 2007

Key Concepts

Use of toluene is increasing, in part because of its popularity as a solvent replacement for benzene.

Gasoline contains 5% to 7% toluene by weight, making toluene a common airborne contaminant in industrialized countries.

Many organic solvents have great addictive potential; toluene is the most commonly abused hydrocarbon solvent, primarily through "glue sniffing."

Authorship

ATSDR/DHEP Authors

Kim Gehle, MD, MPH; Felicia Pharagood-Wade, MD; Darlene Johnson, RN, BSN, MA; Lourdes Rosales-Guevara, MD

ATSDR/DHEP Revision Planners

Diane Dennis-Flagler, MPH; Patricia Drehobl, RN, BSN (CDC/PHPPO); Kim Gehle, MD, MPH; Ralph O'Connor Jr, PhD

Editors

Pamela S. Wigington

Original Contributors

Benjamin H. Hoffman, MD, MPH; Robert K. McLellan, MD, MPH

Original Peer Reviewers

John Ambre, MD; Charles Becker, MD; Jonathan Borak, MD; Joseph Cannella, MD; Richard J. Jackson, MD, MPH; Howard Kipen, MD, MPH; Jonathan Rodnick, MD; Brian A. Wummer, MD

Each content expert for this case study indicated no conflict of interest to disclose with the case study subject matter.

ATSDR Publication No.: ATSDR-HE-CS-2002-0008

Notes

This monograph is one in a series of self-instructional publications designed to increase the primary care provider's knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially exposed patients. See the Accreditation section for more information about continuing medical education credits, continuing nursing education units, and continuing education units.

Disclaimer

The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this monograph, ATSDR has made diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but makes no claim that the document comprehensively addresses all possible situations related pediatrics and environmental health. This monograph is intended as a resource for pediatricians and other child health care providers in assessing the condition and managing the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances. It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of a health care provider. The document must be interpreted in light of specific information regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.

Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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