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Toluene
1-Basic Information on Toluene
2-Health Effects of Toluene
3-First Aid for Exposure to Toluene
4-Working Safely with Toluene
5-Personal Protective Equipment Information for Toluene
6-International Hazard Classifications for Toluene
7-Source of Information on Toluene
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3-First Aid for Exposure to Toluene

What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing toluene?
What do I do if someone gets toluene on their skin?
What do I do if someone gets toluene in their eyes?
What do I do if someone swallows toluene?
Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?


What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing toluene?

This product is flammable. Take proper precautions (e.g. remove any sources of ignition). Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g. wear appropriate protective equipment, use the buddy system). Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should begin artificial respiration (AR), or if the heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Obtain medical attention immediately.


What do I do if someone gets toluene on their skin?

Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Wash gently and thoroughly with water and non-abrasive soap for 20 minutes or until chemical is removed. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Obtain medical attention immediately. Completely decontaminate clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard.


What do I do if someone gets toluene in their eyes?

Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes or until the chemical is removed, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. Obtain medical attention immediately.


What do I do if someone swallows toluene?

NEVER give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, is unconscious or is convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Have victim drink 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 oz.) of water to dilute material in stomach. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Repeat administration of water. Obtain medical attention immediately.


Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?

Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest). Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposures except under minor instances of inhalation or skin contact. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the material and its conditions of use in the workplace.

Document last updated on December 15, 1997

Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety


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