Toluene inducing acute respiratory failure in a spray paint sniffer

Abstract

SummaryBackground:Toluene, formerly known as toluol, is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is widely used as an industrial feedstock and as a solvent. Like other solvents, toluene is sometimes also used as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating properties. It has potential to cause multiple effects in the body including death.Case Report:I report a case of a 27-year-old male, chronic spray paint sniffer, who presented with severe generalized muscle weakness and developed acute respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. Toluene toxicity was confirmed with measurement of hippuric acid of 8.0 g/L (normal <5.0 g/L).Conclusions:Acute respiratory failure is a rare complication of chronic toluene exposure that may be lethal if it is not recognized immediately. To our knowledge, this is the second case of acute respiratory failure due to toluene exposure.

Feasibility the Biological Monitoring of Workers Exposed to Benzene and Toluene via Measuring the Parent Compounds in the Exhaled Breath

“…Meanwhile, toluene has a wide range of industrial applications as an aromatic solvent. It can cause impairment of electrolyte and pH balance, gastrointestinal and neuropsychological disorders, and acute respiratory and reproductive defects (12)(13)(14). Biological monitoring of exposure, a complementary method to personal monitoring, evaluates the internal absorbed dose and takes into consideration individual differences, workload, work practices, the adequacy of control measures, genetic and acquired metabolic characteristics, and all routes of exposure other than inhalation (15)(16)(17).…”