Toluene and xylene are powerful compounds that are found in many household and industrial substances. Toluene and xylene poisoning can occur when someone swallows these substances, breathes in their vapors, or when these substances touch the skin.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Toluene (methylbenzene, phenylmethane)
• Xylene (ortho xylene, meta-xylene, para-xylene)

• Fingernail polish
• Glues/adhesives
• Lacquers
• Octane booster in gasoline
• Paints
• Paint thinners
• Printing and leather tanning processes
• Rubber and plastic cements
• Wood stains

Note: This list may not include all sources of toluene/xylene.

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Burning pain
  • Hearing loss
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain - severe
  • Bloody stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting - possibly blood
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
• Kidneys
  • Kidney damage
• Lungs and airways
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Chest pain
  • Cough
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
• Nervous system
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Exaggerated feeling of well-being (euphoria)
  • Headache
  • Memory loss
  • Nervousness
  • Staggering
  • Tremors
  • Unconsciousness
• Skin
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Pale skin