Abstract

The goal of this project was to establish a threshold limit value for toluene which ensures the safety of pregnant workers, using a toxicological-risk-assessment methodology and existing data. Detailed review of the toxicological literature indicated that toluene is embryotoxic and foetotoxic - but not teratogenic - at exposure levels that do not induce serious maternal toxicity. The safe absorbed dose for pregnant workers, calculated on the basis of toxicological data in animals, epidemiological data, and the application of appropriate adjustment factors to the no-effect level in mice, was 2.5 mg/kg/8 h, equivalent to an airborne exposure level of 41 mg/m3 or 11 ppm.