Reproductive and developmental toxicity of toluene: a review.

Abstract

Toluene is a widely used industrial solvent, and humans may also have high exposures to toluene from the deliberate inhalation ("sniffing") of paint reducer, paint thinner, or paint for their narcotic effects. A number of case reports describe neonatal effects that have been attributed to toluene abuse during pregnancy. These effects may include intrauterine growth retardation, premature delivery, congenital malformations, and postnatal developmental retardation. The possibility of exposures to other fetotoxic agents, either as impurities or admixtures in toluene-containing products, or by deliberate or accidental exposures to other chemicals or drugs, cannot be excluded in these cases. The fetotoxic effects of toluene have been demonstrated in controlled studies in animals and are comparable to those observed in humans who have abused toluene-containing products before or during pregnancy. Intrauterine developmental retardation is the most clearly established effect in animals, as evidenced by decreased late fetal weight and retarded skeletal development. There is also limited evidence in rodents for skeletal and kidney abnormalities, as well as some evidence for effects on postnatal physical and possibly neurobehavioral development. Estimated daily exposures from experimental studies in animals are compared to estimated human daily intakes at the occupational permissible exposure level and at the level reported to produce euphoria in humans. Acceptable human intakes under California's Proposition 65 and under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency procedures are discussed.

Geographical variation in anophthalmia and microphthalmia in England, 1988-94 Commentary: Clustering of anophthalmia and microphthalmia is not supported by the data

“…1930 Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are also associated with a wide range of genetic syndromes,31 both chromosomal and monogenic, and it is likely that when a genetic syndrome is not evident, genetic susceptibility through one or more genes nevertheless plays a part in the response to environmental exposure.…”

Environmental Toxicology and Hazardous Waste Characterization

“…In addition, it has been shown that benzylmercapturic acid is a minor metabolite of toluene. Toluene is also a respiratory irritant and has been implicated in cardiac (e.g., cardiac dysrhythmias) and other effects including chromosomal aberrations, reproductive and developmental complications, dermal irritation, and metabolic acidosis (Donald, et al, 1991;Schmid, et al, 1985). Both urinary hippuric acid and ortho-creosol are considered indicators of toluene exposure, although toluene in the blood and end-expired air has also been used to monitor exposure levels.…”

Reactive Grinding synthesis of La(Sr,Ce)CoO3 and their properties in toluene catalytic total oxidation

“…Along with benzene and xylenes, toluene forms the BTX family and counts for the major part of the industry's VOCs emissions. Once released in the atmosphere, toluene participates in the formation of photochemical smog and ozone by photochemical reactions but it can also impact human health since it has been recognized as potential CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic to Reproduction), especially when mixed with benzene . Long‐ and short‐term threshold limit values (TLV) have been set up to protect workers, with respectively 20 and 100 ppm values for the European Union…”