Distillates (petroleum), heat-soaked steam-cracked naphtha, C5-rich

Neurotoxicity

Administrative data

Endpoint:

neurotoxicity: inhalation

Remarks:

other: regulatory review

Type of information:

other: Recommendation from the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Science position underpinning EU occupational exposure limit for toluene

Data source

Reference

Reference 1

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

2001

Reference 2

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

2006

Materials and methods

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline required

GLP compliance:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Test animals

Species:

other: human

Administration / exposure

Route of administration:

inhalation: vapour

Results and discussion

Effect levels

Dose descriptor:

other: 8 hr IOELV

Effect level:

50 ppm (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: SCOEL concluded there was a great deal of human data demonstrating no reliable evidence of neurological effects at or below 50 ppm (192 mg/m3), hence 50 ppm was an appropriate level for an 8 hr TWA

Remarks on result:

other:

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Executive summary:

SCOEL noted that toluene exposures in the range 90-150 ppm (345-575 mg/m3) for several hours lead to decrements in neurological test results although some of the findings were difficult to interpret due to uncertainties regarding the relationship between the effects monitored and contemporary / past levels of exposure. However the availability of a great deal of human data indicated no reliable evidence of effects at or below toluene concentrations of 50 ppm (192 mg/m3). SCOEL therefore concluded that 50 ppm (8 hour TWA) was an appropriate level for an IOELV.