Toluene or Methylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a smell of a paint thinner. It can be found in food - like herb allspice, medicines - like tolu balsam, and is utilized in the manufacturing of many commercial products, including paints and glues. Colorless and insoluble in water, toluene can be dangerous when its fumes are inhaled, causing neurological damage and intoxication. It has been shown to exhibit beta-oxidant, depressant, hepatoprotective, anesthetic and neurotransmitter functions
Toluene can be found in urine, blood, feces, saliva and breath. Background levels of toluene in breath measured in toluene-exposed workers are about 1,000-fold higher than in non-exposed individuals.
Toluene metabolites (Hippuric acid and cresols) can be also used as indicators of exposure.
Toluene can be found in urine, blood, feces, saliva and breath. Background levels of toluene in breath measured in toluene-exposed workers are about 1,000-fold higher than in non-exposed individuals.
Toluene metabolites (Hippuric acid and cresols) can be also used as indicators of exposure.
