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.

Xylene poisoning

• 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.

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Toluene and xylene poisoning Symptoms

Review Date: 02/03/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)