Toluene

CAS ID#: 108-88-3

Affected Organ Systems: Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Developmental (effects while organs are developing), Immunological (Immune System), Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Cancer Classification: Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Hydrocarbons (contain hydrogen and carbon atoms), Volatile organic compounds

Summary: Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. Toluene occurs naturally in crude oil and in the tolu tree. It is also produced in the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil and making coke from coal. Toluene is used in making paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, and rubber and in some printing and leather tanning processes.

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Page last reviewed: February 10, 2021

Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry