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Two cases of acute toluene intoxication
J Meulenbelt1, G de Groot, T J Savelkoul
1National Poison Control Centre, National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|June 1, 1990
Summary
High toluene exposure caused severe neurological symptoms in two patients. Urinary ortho-cresol and meta-cresol levels effectively indicate toluene exposure, aiding in monitoring high-risk environments.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Toluene is a common industrial solvent with potential neurotoxic effects.
- Accidental high-level exposure can occur in confined spaces, posing significant health risks.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with stupefaction, paresis, and amnesia after exposure to high toluene concentrations (>7000 mg/m3) in a construction site.
- Exposure durations were two and three hours, with subsequent toluene blood concentrations of 2.2 mg/l and 4.1 mg/l, respectively.
Findings:
- Urinary ortho-cresol secretion is a reliable biomarker for assessing toluene exposure.
- Urinary meta-cresol excretion can also serve as an indicator, particularly after high-level toluene exposure.
Implications:
- Monitoring urinary cresol levels is crucial for diagnosing and managing toluene toxicity.
- This highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols in environments with potential toluene exposure.