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IDENTIFICATION <br />To uene is a colorless liquid with a <br />sweet pungent odor. It is used as a sol- <br />vent and in aviation gasoline, making <br />other chemicals, perfumes, medicines, <br />dyes, explosives, and detergents. <br />REASON FOR CITATION <br />* Toluene is on the Workplace Hazardous <br />Substance List because it is regulated <br />by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, <br />NFPA and other authorities. <br />* This chemical is on the Special Health <br />'Hazard Substance List because it is <br />FLAMMABLE. <br />* Definitions are provided on page 5. <br />WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS <br />OSHA: The legal airborne permissible <br />exposure limit (PEL) is 200 ppm <br />averaged over an 8 -hour workshift <br />and 300 ppm, not to be exceeded <br />during any 15 minute work period <br />and a maximum peak concentration <br />of 500 ppm. <br />NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure <br />limit is 100 ppm averaged over an <br />8 -hour workshift and 200 ppm, not <br />to be exceeded during any 10 min- <br />ute work period. <br />* The above exposure limits are foriar <br />levels only. <br />* Toluene may cause mutations. All con- <br />tact with this chemical should be re- <br />duced to the lowest possible level. <br />HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE <br />BEING EXPOSED <br />* Exposure to hazardous substances should <br />be routinely evaluated. This may in- <br />clude collecting air samples. Under <br />OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to <br />obtain copies of sampling results from <br />your employer.,. If you think you are <br />experiencing any work-related health <br />problems, see a doctor trained to rec- <br />ognize occupational diseases. Take <br />this Fact Sheet with you. <br />* ODOR THRESHOLD m 2.9 ppm. <br />* The odor threshold only serves as a <br />warming of exposure. Not smelling it <br />does not mean you are not being ex- <br />posed. <br />WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE <br />* Where possible, enclose operations and <br />use local exhaust ventilation at the <br />site of chemis:al release. If local ex- <br />haust ventilation or enclosure is not <br />used, respirators should be worn. <br />* Wear protective work clothing. <br />* Wash thoroughly immediately after expo- <br />sure to Toluene and at the end of the <br />workshift. <br />* Post hazard and warning' information in <br />the work area. In addition, as part of <br />an ongoing education and training ef- <br />fort, communicate all information on <br />the health and safety hazards of <br />Toluene to potentially exposed workers. <br />35 <br />AN 121993 <br />This Fact Sheet is a summary source of <br />Information for workers, employers, and <br />community residents. Health professionals <br />may also find it useful. If this sub- <br />stance is part of a mixture, this Fact <br />Sheet should be used along with the <br />manufacturer -supplied Material Safety Data <br />Sheet (MSDS). <br />HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION <br />Acute Health Effects <br />The— -following *+acute—Yshort health <br />effects may occur immediately or shortly <br />after exposure to Toluene: <br />* Exposure can - irritate- the -nose; throat, <br />Y6'and eyes" Higher levels can cause you <br />to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass <br />out.' Death can occur:° <br />* Lower levels may cause trouble concen- <br />trating, --- headaches ,-Mr and "Ps lowed '"°pre- <br />..Tr.flexes', <br />Chronic Health Effects <br />The following chronic (long-term) health <br />effects can occur at some time after expo- <br />sure to Toluene and can last for months or <br />years: <br />Cancer Hazard <br />* Toluene- may cause mutations (genetic <br />-changes)-in living 'cells.—Whether or <br />not it poses a cancer hazard-nesds-fur- <br />•ther study: <br />Reproductive Hazard• <br />* Toluene may damage the -developing -fe- <br />tus .- <br />Other Long -Term Effects <br />* Repeated exposure may damage bons- mar - <br />,row, causing low blood cell count: <br />* Prolonged contact can cause drying -.and <br />cracking of the skin, and -a --rash. <br />* Repeated -Toluene exposure' can cause <br />,headaches, lose of appetite,-- nausea, <br />and liver and kidney. damage, .and .may <br />cause brain damage., <br />MEDICAL TESTING <br />For those with frequent or potentially <br />high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or <br />significant skin contact), the following <br />is recommended before beginning work and <br />at regular times after that: <br />* Urinary Hippuric acid excretion (at the <br />end of shift) as an index of overexpo- <br />sure. <br />If symptoms develop or overexposure is <br />suspected, the following may be useful: <br />* Exam of the nervous system. <br />* Liver and kidney function tests, and <br />evaluation for renal tubular acidosis. <br />* Complete blood count. <br />BOOK 88 F,0. r �i J <br />