Abstract

Toluene, an organic solvent, is a widely used industrial chemical. Organic solvents are recognized toxins, attacking the nervous system, and sometimes the liver and kidneys. This project examined the use of nervous system and renal function markers as early signs of toluene poisoning in construction workers. The project comprised three phases: the recording, by a toxicologist, of the medical history of ten workers; quantification, at the Université de Montréal, of selected urinary components; and detection of early effects on the nervous system, performed at the Université du Québec à Montréal. While this project made significant methodological contributions, it was unable to come to a definitive conclusion concerning occupational injury.