Toluene
Toluene, also known as methylbenzene, or Toluol, is a clear water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners. It is a flammable liquid.
Uses: solvent for paint, paint thinner, rubber, adhesives and printing ink. Used in manufacturing processes such as polyurethane foam, and as an octane booster in gasoline.
Found in: floor polish, furniture polish, household hard surface cleaners, laundry starch sprays, candles, and nail polish.
Effects: Acute: developmental toxin, hormone disruptor, neurological damage. Low to moderate levels can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss. It can also cause unconsciousness, and even death. Toluene may negatively affect kidney function.
