This guide helps doctors monitor the health of workers exposed to toluene.  

Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) is a colourless, highly flammable and volatile liquid that smells like benzene. It can be in the air of a workroom as vapour.  

Toluene is: 

• a monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon which results from refining crude oil for gasoline and other fuels 

• used to boost octane in gasoline and often substitutes for benzene. 

You can find toluene in cleaning agents, rubber, detergents, dyes, glues and pharmaceuticals. 

Examples of work with toluene includes:  

• making paints, inks, lacquers, paint thinners, adhesives and fingernail polish 

• tanning leather. 

This guide is part of a health monitoring guide collection. 

There are also health monitoring guides for: 

• persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) 

• guide for workers 

• registered medical practitioners 

• hazardous chemicals