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Toluene and xylene are powerful compounds that are found in many household and industrial substances. Toluene and xylene poisoning can occur when someone swallows these substances, breathes in their vapors, or when these substances touch the skin.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Alternative NamesXylene poisoning
Poisonous Ingredient- Toluene (methylbenzene, phenylmethane)
- Xylene (ortho xylene, meta-xylene, para-xylene)
- Fingernail polish
- Glues/adhesives
- Lacquers
- Octane booster in gasoline
- Paints
- Paint thinners
- Printing and leather tanning processes
- Rubber and plastic cements
- Wood stains
Note: This list may not include all sources of toluene/xylene.
Symptoms- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Burning pain
- Hearing loss
- Gastrointestinal
- Abdominal pain - severe
- Bloody stools
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting - possibly blood
- Heart and blood vessels
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Kidneys
- Kidney damage
- Lungs and airways
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Nervous system
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Exaggerated feeling of well-being (euphoria)
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Nervousness
- Staggering
- Tremors
- Unconsciousness
- Skin
- Dry, cracked skin
- Pale skin
Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.
If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.
Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:
- Breathing tube
- Bronchoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
- Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Oxygen
- Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
- Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement)
- Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days
How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Inhaling these substances for long periods of time can cause irreversible brain damage. This type of damage is seen in people who intentionally "sniff" these substances to get high.
ReferencesMirkin DB. Benzene and related aromatic hydrocarbons. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 94.
What else can I help you with?
Can chloroform be used instead of toluene or xylene?
No, chloroform is not typically used as a substitute for toluene or xylene. Chloroform has different chemical properties and is not as commonly used as a solvent in the same applications as toluene or xylene. Additionally, chloroform is more toxic and poses greater health and environmental risks compared to toluene and xylene.
Is xylene more polar than toluene?
Yes, xylene is more polar than toluene due to the presence of additional methyl groups on the aromatic ring, which increases the molecule's overall polarity.
Which type of isomers are o-xylene m-xylene and p-xylene?
o-xylene, m-xylene, and p-xylene are positional isomers, meaning they have the same molecular formula but differ in the position of the substituent groups on the benzene ring.
Is gasoline aromatic or aliphatic?
Gasoline is a mixture of both aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene are present in small amounts, while the majority of components are aliphatic hydrocarbons like octane, heptane, and pentane.
What is the solvent for epoxy phenolic resins?
The solvent commonly used for epoxy phenolic resins is a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as xylene or toluene. These solvents help to dissolve the resins and are typically used for cleaning equipment or thinning the resin for application.
Can chloroform be used instead of toluene or xylene?
No, chloroform is not typically used as a substitute for toluene or xylene. Chloroform has different chemical properties and is not as commonly used as a solvent in the same applications as toluene or xylene. Additionally, chloroform is more toxic and poses greater health and environmental risks compared to toluene and xylene.
What chemicals are in a permanent marker?
xylene and toluene
Is xylene more polar than toluene?
Yes, xylene is more polar than toluene due to the presence of additional methyl groups on the aromatic ring, which increases the molecule's overall polarity.
What is relationship among benzene Toluene and Xylene?
They are all homologues that contain a benzene ring
What is a Solution in which the solvent is water?
Diethyl Ether, Naphtha, Xylene, Toluene, Petroleum Distillates, etc.
What are some componds with carbon rings?
Examples of aromatic compounds: benzene, toluene, xylene, anilin, etc.
Why replace xylene with toluene in tissue processing in histopathology?
Toluene's largest single use is in industrial coating applications, primarily automotive finishes, wood furniture and machinery. As more regulatory rules are promulgated, formulators and applicators are looking for toluene alternatives. One option is n-propyl propionate, a low-odor, medium-evaporating, non-HAP ester solvent with good solvent activity and versatility.
What has the author Soisuda Kesornthong written?
Soisuda Kesornthong has written: 'An investigation of toluene and xylene exposure in the Thai paint manufacturing industry'
What has the author Arthur L Buikema written?
Arthur L. Buikema has written: 'Benzene, xylene, and toluene in aquatic systems' -- subject(s): Aquatic animals, Benzene, Effect of water pollution on, Environmental aspects, Environmental aspects of Benzene, Environmental aspects of Toluene, Environmental aspects of Xylene, Pollution, Toluene, Water, Xylene 'Rotifer sensitivity to combinations of inorganic water pollutants' -- subject(s): Effect of water pollution on, Environmental aspects, Environmental aspects of Inorganic compounds, Inorganic compounds, Rotifera, Water quality bioassay
What chemicals are in diaper?
Xylene Ethyl Benzene Styerene Isopropylene Dioxin Tributyl-tin (TBT) Sodium Polyacrylate Fragrance plastics polyurethane adhesives glues inks lubricants formaldehyde toluene xylene dipentene sodiumpolyacrylate petrolatum
What minerals are in gasoline?
Gasoline often contains a variety of different chemicals or substances. Some of these chemicals include carbon, naphtha, benzene, toluene, and xylene.
What solvent is in tipex?
The solvent in Tipp-Ex correction fluid is usually a combination of toluene and xylene. These solvents help the correction fluid dry quickly when applied to paper.
