Disposition and Follow-up
Consider hospitalizing symptomatic patients who have significant inhalation or ingestion exposure with symptoms of CNS depression or respiratory distress.
Delayed Effects
Observe hospitalized patients for signs of acute tubular necrosis, encephalopathy, and arrhythmia. In addition, patients who have inhaled large amounts of toluene should be observed for signs of pulmonary edema, and those who have ingested toluene should be watched for signs of aspiration pneumonitis.
Patient Release
Patients who remain asymptomatic for 6 to 12 hours after exposure may be discharge with instructions to seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop (see the Toluene-Patient Information Sheet below).