Permanent Encephalopathy from Toluene Inhalation

Abstract

INHALATION of glue vapors in an attempt to induce euphoria has recently become quite popular, particularly among teen-agers. The desired effects are probably produced by toluene, the major component of the vapors.¹ The acute Central-nervous-system symptoms after toluene inhalation are transient euphoria, exhilaration and excitement, but in high doses confusion, headache, nausea, tinnitus, ataxia, tremors and fasciculations often occur. Acute, reversible hepatic decompensation and bone-marrow suppression are also prominent effects of exposure to high concentrations of toluene.^{2 3 4} The severity of the acute symptoms correlates well with the concentration of toluene vapor, and specific safeguards have been established for industrial workers . . .