toluene

Last reviewed 01/2018

Toluene is a complex hydrocarbon closely related to benzene. It is extremely toxic to cells. It is produced as one product of burning polyurethane foam.

It has several associations:

  • aplastic anaemia
  • bronchospasm if inhaled
  • potentially carcinogenic; liver and kidney tumours noted

Treatment is supportive - there is no specific antidote.