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Toluene Safety Equipment & Procedures

Toluene is an organic solvent use for industrial and research purposes. It is a clear liquid with a distinct odor. The smell often reminds people of latex paint because toluene is often the solvent used in these paints. Most of the hazards of dealing with toluene involves the vapors. Toluene can vaporize as quickly as gasoline.

  1. Toxicity

    • Toluene can enter the human body through inhalation, absorption through the skin and ingestion. Inhalation (breathing the vapors) is the most common route of exposure. The vapors can make you feel dizzy, light headed, confused and can cause unconsciousness in high levels. Ingestion can affect your taste and vision. Exposing the skin to toluene will dry it out. All forms of exposure can result in kidney and liver damage. In California, toluene meets the requirements to be on the state's list of carcinogens, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds no significant evidence to support this claim.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • Acetonitrile gloves, safety glasses, face shield and rubber apron should be worn when handling toluene. Toluene does not penetrate acetonitrile well. These gloves offer decent protection for your hands and forearms. Splashing is a common occurrence with light (low density) solvents. The safety glasses or face shield is acceptable when working with smaller volumes (4 liters or less) and at cooler temperatures (room temperature or below). When working at higher temperatures or large volumes, both a face shield and safety glasses should be used. Toluene vaporizes easily and the vapors can suddenly flow back into your face. A respirator should be used when dealing with toluene in an unventilated area.

    Containment Equipment

    • Toluene should be handled under a fume hood. This provides adequate ventilation to remove the vapors. Also, most fume hoods provide good protection to your body, exposing only the glove-covered hands to possible exposure. It may not be practical to use a fume hood every time toluene must be handled. When a fume hood is impractical or unavailable, the room where toluene will be handled should be well ventilated. Fans should be set up on one side of the room to push air into the room and on the other side of the room to take the air outside. You should always have your back to the fans pushing air into the room and keep the toluene between yourself and the fans taking the air outside. This will prevent most exposure to the toluene vapors.

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