Toluene: present in enamels and paints, substance is neurotoxic
Best known for shoe glue, toluene is also present in places you might not notice.
Do you know what toluene is? Toluene, also known as methylbenzene (methybenzene), is an aromatic, flammable, colorless, volatile hydrocarbon, with a characteristic odor and highly harmful to health if ingested or inhaled. It is commonly used as a solvent in glues and paints, but its use is not restricted to this purpose only.
Most of the toluene released into the environment comes from the use of gasoline and oil refining. It also participates in the composition of organic chemicals such as urethane, polyurethane, benzene, and in the manufacture of polymers and rubber.
Toluene is also present in glues, gasoline, paints, removers, cleaning agents, cigarette smoke and cosmetics (learn how to avoid these substances in cosmetics in the article: "Know the main substances that should be avoided in cosmetics and hygiene products" ).
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health risks
The respiratory system is the main route of exposure to toluene because, when inhaled, it is rapidly transported to the lungs and diffused into the bloodstream.
The risks depend on the intensity of exposure to toluene. To a lesser degree, eye and throat irritation may occur. In some people, it can cause allergic processes through contact with the skin or through inhalation. Intoxication effects such as headache, confusion and dizziness may occur if exposure is prolonged.
It is further known that toluene can lead to addiction. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and has a process similar to that which occurs with drinking alcohol.
With abusive doses, more severe symptoms can be observed, such as nausea, anorexia, confusion, hilarity, loss of self-control, momentary loss of memory, nervousness, muscle fatigue, insomnia and even the effects of acute intoxication, such as hallucinations, disorientation and, in abusive doses can lead to narcosis.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies toluene in group 3 - non-carcinogenic, but it is known to be neurotoxic.
regulation
Although the greatest exposure to toluene is due to automotive vehicles, we are also exposed in the domestic environment. As previously mentioned, this substance is present in paints, glues, thinners, varnishes and even in nail polish. In many cases, prolonged contact ends up leading to dermatitis. For this reason, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) stipulated the permitted concentration of this substance at 25% in these products.
Currently, many companies are removing toluene from the composition of their products, but it is worth checking before buying and verifying that the product does not contain toluene. Remember that it can be represented as methylbenzene or with its English name, mentioned earlier.
To learn more about hazardous substances in cosmetics and hygiene products, take a look at the article: "Know the main substances that should be avoided in cosmetics and hygiene products".
