Toluene

Health hazards

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation. Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Slightly irritating to respiratory system. Irritating to skin. Slightly irritating to the eye. Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed. Possibility of organ or organ system damage from prolonged exposure; see Chapter 11 for details. Target organ(s): Auditory system. Central nervous system (CNS). Respiratory system. Visual system. Possible risk of harm to the unborn child. Signs and Symptoms : Eye irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning sensation, redness, swelling, and/or blurred vision. Skin irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning sensation, redness, swelling, and/or blisters. If material enters lungs, signs and symptoms may include coughing, choking, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest congestion, shortness of breath, and/or fever. The onset of respiratory symptoms may be delayed for several hours after exposure. Breathing of high vapour concentrations may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression resulting in dizziness, light-headedness, headache, nausea and loss of coordination. Continued inhalation may result in unconsciousness and death. Auditory system effects may include temporary hearing loss and/or ringing in the ears. Visual system disturbances may be evidenced by decreases in the ability to discriminate between colours.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Pre-existing medical conditions of the following organ(s) or organ system(s) may be aggravated by exposure to this material: Auditory system. Central nervous system (CNS). Respiratory system. Eyes. Skin. Visual system. Kidney. Safety Hazards : Highly flammable. In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture. This material is a static accumulator. Even with proper grounding and bonding, this material can still accumulate an electrostatic charge. If sufficient charge is allowed to accumulate, electrostatic discharge and ignition of flammable air-vapour mixtures can occur.

Environmental hazards

Not classified as dangerous under EC criteria.