Measurement of Toluene in Blood and Breath in Cases of Solvent Abuse

Abstract

A method was developed for measurement of toluene in blood and breath samples, using Tenax GC columns and a Bendix Flasher (Bendix Corp.) coupled to a flame ionization gas chromatograph. Blood samples were collected from six habitual toluene abusers during a 2-h abstinence period. Blood concentrations were found to range from 9.8 to 31.2 mg/L in samples taken shortly after inhaling. Blood half-lives of toluene were found to be much shorter in the first hour after inhalation (53.5 and 49.3 min) than in the second hour (79.3 and 111.2 min). In one of the subjects, blood:breath ratios were determined and averaged 18.2.

Laboratory diagnosis of toluene-based inhalants abuse

“…Some of the blood toluene concentrations in the present study are higher than those previously reported in literature in several toxicological cases (9,15,29). In the present study, despite the evidences of massive consumption of toluene in the studied population, most adolescents did not show signs of severe intoxication at the time of the interview.…”

Toluene exposure during the brain growth spurt reduces behavioral responses to noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists in adult rats

“…These levels are in the range obtained from toluene abusers (0.1-74.7 μg/ml) (Garriott et al 1981;Park et al 1998). In addition, the placenta penetration efficiency for toluene is greater than 90% (Shumilina 1991).…”

Toluene‐Impaired Drivers: Behavioral Observations, Impairment Assessment, and Toxicological Findings

“…3.9 mg/L). Garriott (7) reported toluene concentrations in six solvent abusers who habitually inhaled toluene in a prison workshop, with immediate collection of specimens, of between 9.8 and 31.4 mg/L. None exhibited distress, but all showed moderate signs of intoxication including slurred speech, slow unsteady movements, and an impaired ability to concentrate.…”