About one third of the toluene produced each year is used as a solvent in paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives, inks and cleaning agents.
How can this chemical affect my health?
Acute (Short Term) Effects
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Can be fatal on contact, ingestion or inhalation for humans and other mammals.
Irritates the Eyes – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the eye.
Irritates the Skin – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the skin.
Chronic (Long Term) Effects
Birth Defects – Can cause harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Reproductive Harm – Can disrupt the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of the fetus during pregnancy.
Endocrine Disruption – Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior (the endocrine system).
Asthma Trigger – Can result in high sensitivity so that small quantities trigger asthma, nose or sinus inflammation or other allergic reactions in the respiratory system.
Brain/Nervous System Harm – Can cause damage to the nervous system including the brain.
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.
Cancer – Can cause or increase the risk of cancer.
