Description
WHAT IS TOLUENE?
Toluene, found naturally in crude oil and in the tolu tree, is added to gasoline and is used in the making of many products including paint thinners, adhesives, rubber and hair dyes.
It is also used in nail products to suspend the color and form a smooth finish across the nail. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set limits for worker exposure to toluene, and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has set even stricter limits, it is reasonable to assume that nail salon workers are exposed to unacceptably high levels of the chemical. These workers are exposed on a daily basis over long shifts in salons that may lack proper ventilation and environmental monitoring equipment.
- To raise the octane rating of fuel, mixed with benzene and xylenes.
- As an extraction solvent in the cosmetic industry (perfume) and in the pharmaco-chemical industry.
- As a solvent or manufacturing element for paint, varnish, lacquer, wax and ink (printing, etc.).
- As a starting material for several industrial processes: synthesis of rubber, phenol, TNT, toluene diisocyanate (TDI).
- To manufacture adhesives and glues.
- In leather tanning.
- As a coating booster used by some table tennis players (despite being prohibited).
Toluene : Warnings and caution
H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H361d – Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
H304 – May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
H373 – May cause serious damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
H315 – Causes skin irritation.
H336 – May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
