Toluene spontaneous abortion

There are a number of reports that women exposed to toluene have an increased risk of spontaneous abortions however, a causal relationship is difficult to establish because of confounding exposures, lack of exposure data, and small sample sizes. ... 

Prolonged contact between toluene and human skin may cause nonallergic contact dermatitis. Human exposure to toluene also causes nervous system symptoms and signs and excessive exposure may cause adverse effects on the kidney and liver. Adverse effects on the nervous system have been observed in experimental animals. In studies of spontaneous abortion, perinatal mortality and congenital malformations in humans, the numbers of cases were small and the mothers had also been exposed to other substances. Embryotoxicity that generally occurs concurrently with maternal toxicity has been seen in some studies in mice and rats but not rabbits (lARC, 1989a). 

Maternal toluene sniffing used as an organic solvent in acrylic paints, varnishes and other sources is associated with premature births and, in one case, renal tubular acidosis. Other studies of female painters showed tendencies towards an increase of spontaneous abortions or infant mortality. Other studies did not confirm these tendencies. 

The association of tetrachloroethylene, toluene and aliphatic hydrocarbons with spontaneous abortions was also examined by detailed records of occupational task. " The odds ratio of spontaneous abortion for aliphatic hydrocarbons was increased among graphic workers [5.2 (1.3-20.8)] and painters [2.4 (0.5-13.0)] but not among other workers. However, in die latter group die proportion of highly exposed workers was only 30%, whereas it was 69% in the two former groups. The odds ratio was increased also among toluene-exposed shoe workers [odds ratio 9.3 (1.0-84.7)] and dry cleaners exposed to tetrachloroethylene [odds ratio 2.7 (0.7-11.2)]. 

The association of tetrachloroethylene, toluene and aliphatic hydrocarbons with spontaneous abortions was also examined by detailed records of occupational task. ° The... 

---