Absorption
Absorption of toluene takes places primarily via the respiratory tract. The uptake rate is variable
depending on exposure conditions and has been measured at between 0.16 and 1.6 mg/minute (29–
31) The average percentage of toluene retained by the body after inhalation is estimated to be 36–
85% (29,31). Retention decreases with exposure time (32). Physical activity increases total uptake
and reduces retention compared to individuals at rest (33).
Blood levels measured in rural, urban and chemical workers not occupationally exposed to
toluene were less than 3 mg/litre (24). The lowest levels were found in rural workers. Even lower
blood levels have been reported by others (34). Differences between levels measured in these
studies may be based, in part, on differences in sampling and analysis procedures. Toluene was
detected in most blood samples of nonoccupationally exposed individuals with a mean level of less
than 1 ppb (35). Mean blood levels in a nonoccupationally exposed population examined by
Antoine et al. was 1.5 ppb (36).
Studies with laboratory animals (37–39) and humans (27) indicate that percutaneous absorption is
slow compared to pulmonary uptake. Relative to other solvents investigated, toluene penetration of
rat skin was moderate; however, rat skin may be more permeable to solvents than human skin (38).
Experimental data from volunteers simulating skin contact under occupational conditions indicate that
absorption is about 0.5 mg/cm2 per hour (27). Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is
considered to be complete.