Office of Water 

Office Science and 

Technology 

EPA 820-D-14-063 

May 2014 

Draft Update of Human Health
 

Ambient Water Quality Criteria:
 

 

Toluene
 

108-88-3
 

C H3
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPA 820-D-14-063 

May 2014 

Update of Human Health
 

Ambient Water Quality Criteria:
 

Toluene
 

108-88-3
 

Draft 

Office of Science and Technology
 

Office of Water
 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 

Washington, DC 20460
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toluene 108-88-3 

Table of Contents 

Introduction: Plan and Scope of Update 

Problem Formulation 

Criteria Formulas- Analysis Plan 

Exposure Factors 

Body Weight 

Drinking Water Intake 

Fish Consumption Rate 

Bioaccumulation Factor 

Hazard Identification and Dose Response 

Reference Dose 

Relative Source Contribution 

Criteria Derivation- Analysis 

Criteria Characterization 

Chemical Name / Synonyms 

References 

Introduction: Plan and Scope of Update 

Human health ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) are numeric values for pollutant 

concentrations in ambient waters that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

considers to be protective of human health. EPA periodically revises water quality criteria to 

ensure that they reflect the latest scientific knowledge. The current revisions of the criteria for 

toluene, contained in this document, incorporate updated information regarding reference 

dosage, body weight, drinking water intake, fish consumption rate, and bioaccumulation. 

Εζ͇̯χ͇͋ ι͕͋͋ι͋Σ̽͋ ͇Ϊν͋ ΊΣ͕Ϊι΢̯χΊΪΣ ͕Ϊι χΪΜϢ͋Σ͋ Ίν Ί͇͋ΣχΊ͕Ί͇͋ ΊΣ E ́!͛ν Office of Research and 

D͋ϭ͋ΜΪζ΢͋Σχ͛ν ͜Σχ͋ͽι̯χ͇͋ ·ΊνΙ ͜Σ͕Ϊι΢̯χΊΪΣ ΋Θνχ͋΢͛ν (͜·͜΋) 2005 χΪϳΊ̽ΪΜΪͽΘ ̯νν͋νν΢͋Σχ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 

2005). Relative source contribution recom΢͋Σ͇̯χΊΪΣν ̯ι͋ Ί͇͋ΣχΊ͕Ί͇͋ ΊΣ E ́!͛ν ·Methodology for 

Deriving Ambient Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health (2000)͛ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 

2000) ̈́ Εζ͇̯χ͇͋ ̼Ϊ͇Θ Ϯ͋Ίͽ·χ ̯Σ͇ ͇ιΊΣΙΊΣͽ Ϯ̯χ͋ι ΊΣχ̯Ι͋ ͇̯χ̯ ̯ι͋ Ί͇͋ΣχΊ͕Ί͇͋ ΊΣ E ́!͛ν ·EϳζΪνϢι͋ 

Factors Handbook: 2011 E͇ΊχΊΪΣ͛ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 2011). The bioaccumulation factor data is updated 

ϢνΊΣͽ E ́!͛ν EνχΊ΢̯χΊΪΣ  ́ιΪͽι̯΢ ͜Σχ͋ι͕̯̽͋ (E ́͜) ΋ϢΊχ͋ ΢Ϊ͇͋ΜΊΣͽ ζιΪͽι̯΢ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 2012̯) ̈́ Α·͋ 

Ϊϭ͋ι̯ΜΜ ͕Ίν· ̽ΪΣνϢ΢ζχΊΪΣ ι̯χ͋ ̯Σ͇ χιΪζ·Ί̽ Μ͋ϭ͋Μ ̼ι̯͋Ι͇ΪϮΣν ̯ι͋ Ϣζ͇̯χ͇͋ ϢνΊΣͽ E ́!͛ν ·EνχΊ΢̯χ͇͋ 

Fish Consumption Rates for the U.S. Population and Selected Subpopulations (NHANES 2003­

2010)͛ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 2014). Unless otherwise specified, all sources of information used in this update 

are from peer reviewed sources. 

Note that the term "water quality criteria" can carry one of two possible meanings, 

depending on the section of the Clean Water Act (CWA) associated with the particular criteria 

̯χ ΊννϢ͋ ̈́ ͞Ρ̯χ͋ι θϢ̯ΜΊχΘ ̽ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯͟ ΢̯Θ ι͕͋͋ι χΪ Σ̯χΊΪΣ̯Μ Ϯ̯χ͋ι θϢ̯ΜΊχΘ ̽ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯ ι͋̽Ϊ΢΢͋Σ͇̯χΊΪΣν 

issued under CWA § 304. ͞Ρ̯χ͋ι θϢ̯ΜΊχΘ ̽ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯͟ ΢̯Θ ̯ΜνΪ ι͕͋͋ι χΪ Ϯ̯χ͋ι θϢ̯ΜΊχΘ ̽ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯ 

components of water quality standards adopted by states, territories, or authorized tribes 

under CWA § 303. 

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National ambient water quality criteria recommendations for human health are issued 

by the EPA under CWA §304. They are based on the latest scientific information on the 

relationship between the effects of a constituent concentration and human health. Protective 

assumptions are made regarding the potential human exposure intakes. These criteria do not 

reflect consideration of non-human health endpoints or economic impacts. Nor do they reflect 

the technological feasibility of meeting the chemical concentrations in ambient water. National 

ambient water quality criteria recommendations for human health are not automatically 

incorporated into water quality standards adopted by states, territories, or authorized tribes. 

Rather, they provide scientific information to states, territories and authorized tribes to assist 

them in adopting ambient water quality criteria for human health in water quality standards 

that meet CWA requirements. National ambient water quality criteria recommendations for 

human health are not regulations themselves and they do not impose legally binding 

requirements on EPA, states, territories, authorized tribes, or the public. States, territories, and 

authorized tribes have the discretion to adopt, where appropriate, other scientifically 

͇͕͋͋ΣνΊ̼Μ͋ Ϯ̯χ͋ι θϢ̯ΜΊχΘ ̽ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯ χ·̯χ ͇Ί͕͕͋ι ͕ιΪ΢ E ́!͛ν Σ̯χΊΪΣ̯Μ ̯΢̼Ί͋Σχ ι͋̽Ϊ΢΢͋Σ͇͇͋ criteria 

for human health. 

Ambient water quality criteria components of water quality standards are generally 

adopted by the states, territories, and authorized tribes themselves, under §303(c)(2). (In 

certain circumstances EPA also may promulgate this type of criterion itself, pursuant to 

§303(c)(4)). State ambient water quality criteria for human health represent a quality of water 

that sufficiently protects human health to support a designated use of the state, territory, or 

authorized tribe. Such criteria may be expressed in terms of constituent concentrations, levels, 

or narrative statements. Once ambient water quality criteria for human health are adopted by a 

state, territory, or authorized tribe into their water quality standards, they provide a basis for 

controlling discharges or releases of pollutants, for developing permit limits, assessing waters, 

and developing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for waters that do not meet the water 

quality standard. Ambient water quality criteria for human health have a regulatory impact 

once they have been adopted into water quality standards by the state, territory, or authorized 

tribe under § 303(c)(2) (or alternatively issued by EPA pursuant to § 303(c)(4)). 

The water quality criteria at issue in this document are national ambient water quality 

criteria recommendations for human health issued under CWA § 304. Unless expressly 

ΊΣ͇Ί̯̽χ͇͋ Ϊχ·͋ιϮΊν͋΂ ̯ΜΜ ι͕͋͋ι͋Σ̽͋ν χΪ ̽͞ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯΂͟ ͞Ϯ̯χ͋ι θϢ̯ΜΊχΘ ̽ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯΂͟ ̯͞΢̼Ί͋Σχ Ϯ̯χ͋ι θϢ̯ΜΊχΘ 

̽ιΊχ͋ιΊ̯ (!ΡΆ) ι͋̽Ϊ΢΢͋Σ͇̯χΊΪΣν΂͟ or similar variants thereof, are references to national 

ambient water quality criteria recommendations for human health. 

Problem Formulation 

Problem formulation provides a strategic framework for water quality criteria 

development by focusing on the most relevant endpoints and increasing the transparency of 

the effects assessment process. The structure of this criteria document is consistent with U.S. 

E ́!͛ν ·Fι̯΢͋ϮΪιΙ ͕Ϊι HϢ΢̯Σ H̯͋Μχ· ·ΊνΙ !νν͋νν΢͋Σχ χΪ ͜Σ͕Ϊι΢ D͋̽ΊνΊΪΣ ͱ̯ΙΊΣͽ͛ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 

2012b). 

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Toluene 108-88-3 

In the development of AWQC, EPA currently follows the deterministic assessment 

΢͋χ·Ϊ͇ΪΜΪͽΘ ΪϢχΜΊΣ͇͋ ΊΣ E ́!͛ν ·Methodology for Deriving Ambient Water Quality Criteria for 

the Protection of Human Health (2000)͛ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 2000)΂ ·͋ι̯͕͋χ͋ι ΙΣΪϮΣ ̯ν χ·͋ 2000 

Methodology. For pollutants that exhibit a threshold of exposure before deleterious effects 

occur, such as is the case for non-carcinogens, the 2000 Methodology applies a relative source 

contribution (RSC) to determine the amount of the reference dose (RfD) apportioned to fish 

consumption (freshwater and estuarine species) and drinking water intake. The RSC value is 

applied to chemicals with an RfD to ensure that exposure to these chemicals from drinking 

water and fish ingestion, when combined with all other sources, will not exceed the reference 

dose. Other exposures routes, including but not limited to, dermal exposure, inhalation 

exposure, marine fish and shellfish consumption (when not included in the fish consumption 

rate), and non-fish dietary exposures (fruits, vegetables, grains, meats or poultry) are 

accounted for in the percentage of the RfD that remains, after accounting for the RSC. 

Criteria Formulas- Analysis Plan 

The following formulas are used to develop the human health ambient water quality 

criteria. EPA develops criteria for ambient waters typically considering two routes of exposure. 

The first formula is for a criterion that assumes exposure through both the consumption of 

water and the consumption of aquatic organisms. The second formula is for a criterion that 

assumes exposure through the consumption of aquatic organisms, but not water. The use of 

one criterion over the other depends on the designated use of the water bodies in question (i.e. 

drinking water source and/or fishable waters). 

EPA recommends inclusion of the drinking water exposure pathway for ambient surface 

waters where drinking water is a designated use for the following reasons: (1) Drinking water is 

a designated use for surface waters under the CWA and, therefore, criteria are needed to 

assure that this designated use can be protected and maintained. (2) Although rare, there are 

some public water supplies that provide drinking water from surface water sources without 

treatment. (3) Even among the majority of water supplies that do treat surface waters, existing 

treatments may not necessarily be effective for reducing levels of particular contaminants. (4) 

͜Σ ̽ΪΣνΊ͇͋ι̯χΊΪΣ Ϊ͕ χ·͋ !ͽ͋Σ̽Θ͛ν ͽΪ̯Μν Ϊ͕ ζΪΜΜϢχΊΪΣ ζι͋ϭ͋ΣχΊΪΣ΂ ̯΢̼Ί͋Σχ Ϯ̯χ͋ιν ν·ΪϢΜ͇ ΣΪχ ̼͋ 

contaminated to a level where the burden of achieving health objectives is shifted away from 

those responsible for pollutant discharges and placed on downstream users to bear the costs of 

upgraded or supplemental water treatment (USEPA, 2000). 

EPA recommends the organism only criterion in those cases where the designated uses 

of a water body include only supporting fishable uses under Section 101(a) of the CWA and, 

thus, fish or shellfish for human consumption, but not as a drinking water supply source (e.g., 

non-potable estuarine waters) (USEPA, 2000). 

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The formulas for deriving the criteria values are as follows (USEPA, 2000): 

For consumption of water and organisms: 

 

 

AWQC (μg/L) = RfD (mg/kg·d) × RSC × BW (kg) × 1000 μg/mg* (Eq. 1) 

DI (L/d) + ∑ 4

Ί 2 (F·Ί (Ιͽ/͇) ∓ !FΊ (ͫ Ιͽ))

For consumption of organisms only: 

Where: 

AWQC = ambient water quality criteria 

RfD = reference dose 

RSC = relative source contribution 

BW = body weight 

DI = drinking water intake 

∑ 4 νϢ΢΢̯χΊΪΣ Ϊ͕ ϭ̯ΜϢ͋ν ͕Ϊι ̯θϢ̯χΊ̽ χιΪζ·Ί̽ Μ͋ϭ͋Μν (Αͫ) Ϯ·͋ι͋ χ·͋ Μ͋χχ͋ι ͞Ί͟ νχ̯Σ͇ν ͕Ϊι χ·͋ i=2 

trophic levels to be considered, starting with TL 2 and proceeding to TL 4 

FCRi = fish consumption rate for aquatic trophic levels 2, 3, and 4 

BAFi = bioaccumulation factor for aquatic trophic levels 2, 3, and 4 

 

 

AWQC (μg/L) = RfD (mg/kg·d) × RSC × BW (kg) × 1000 (μg/mg)* (Eq. 2) 

∑ 4

Ί 2 (F· Ί (Ιͽ/͇) ∓ !FΊ (ͫ Ιͽ))

The following sections identify each of the components of the formulas for the human 

health ambient water quality criteria and provide reference sources, previously used values 

when available, and the values to be used in the updated criteria. 

Exposure Factors: 

Body Weight 

The updated recommended body weight (BW) is 80 kg which represents the mean 

Ϯ͋Ίͽ·χ ͕Ϊι ̯͇ϢΜχν 21 Θ̯͋ιν Ϊ͕ ̯ͽ͋ ̯Σ͇ ΪΜ͇͋ι ̈́ Α·Ίν ι͋̽Ϊ΢΢͋Σ͇̯χΊΪΣ Ίν ͕ΪϢΣ͇ ΊΣ E ́!͛ν ·EϳζΪνϢι͋ 

Fa̽χΪιν H̯Σ͇̼ΪΪΙ ́ 2011 E͇ΊχΊΪΣ͛ ΊΣ ·̯ζχ͋ι 8 ̈́ ͜χ Ϯ̯ν ̼̯ν͇͋ ΪΣ data derived from the National 

Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999−2006 (USEPA, 2011). This body 

weight replaces the recommended standard weight for adults of 70 kg that was described in 

the 2000 Methodology which was approximated from the mean body weight of adults from the 

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III database (1988-1994) and a 

1989 study by the National Cancer Institute (USEPA, 2000). 

* 1000 μg/mg is used to convert the units of mass into micrograms from milligrams.

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Drinking Water Intake 

The updated drinking water intake (DI) is 3 L/day, rounded from 3.091 L/day for 

consumer-only estimates of direct and indirect water ingestion based on NHANES 2003-2006 

data for all sources of water at the 90th ζ͋ι̽͋ΣχΊΜ͋ ͕Ϊι ̯͇ϢΜχν (≥21 Θ͋ars of age) (USEPA, 2011). 

Direct water is defined as water ingested directly as a beverage (from all sources); indirect 

water is defined as water added in the preparation of food or beverages, not including indirect 

consumption of bottled water. This recommended value Ίν ͕ΪϢΣ͇ ΊΣ E ́!͛ν ·EϳζΪνϢι͋ F̯̽χΪιν 

H̯Σ͇̼ΪΪΙ ́ 2011 E͇ΊχΊΪΣ͛ in Table 3-36. It replaces the drinking water intake standard of 2 L/day 

described in the 2000 Methodology which represented the 86th percentile for adults 20 years 

and older in χ·͋ Ε΋ D͋ζ̯ιχ΢͋Σχ Ϊ͕ !ͽιΊ̽ϢΜχϢι͋͛ν 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by 

Individuals (CSFII) analysis or the 88th percentile of adults in the National Cancer Institute study 

of the 1977-78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (USEPA, 2000). 

Fish Consumption Rate 

The updated fish consumption rate (FCR) for the general adult population is 22 

grams/day (0.022 kg/day) (USEPA, 2014: see Table 9a). It represents the 90th percentile per 

capita consumption rate of freshwater and estuarine fish for the U.S. adult population 21 years 

of age and older based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National 

Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) conducted from 2003-2010. It replaces the 

FCR default of 17.5 grams/day, which represented an estimate of the 90th percentile per capita 

consumption rate of freshwater and estuarine fish for the U.S. adult population based on the 

Ε ̈́΋ ̈́ D͋ζ̯ιχ΢͋Σχ Ϊ͕ !ͽιΊ̽ϢΜχϢι͋͛ν (Ε΋D!͛ν) ΪΣχΊΣϢΊΣͽ ΋Ϣιϭ͋Θ Ϊ͕ FΪΪ͇ ͜Σχ̯Ι͋ ̼Θ ͜Σ͇ΊϭΊ͇Ϣ̯Μν 

(CSFII) 1994-96 data (USEPA, 2002a). 

As recommended in the 2000 Methodology, this update to the criteria distinguishes a 

trophic level (TL) breakdown of the fish consumption rate to provide a better representation of 

͇Ί͋χ̯ιΘ ͋ϳζΪνϢι͋ χΪ ͕Ίν· ̯χ ΢ϢΜχΊζΜ͋ χιΪζ·Ί̽ Μ͋ϭ͋Μν ̈́ !Σ Ϊιͽ̯ΣΊν΢͛ν χιΪζ·Ί̽ ζΪνΊχΊΪΣ ΊΣ χ·͋ ̯θϢ̯χΊ̽ 

food web can have an important effect on the magnitude of bioaccumulation of certain 

chemicals. The trophic levels are numbered 2, 3, and 4 and account for different categories of 

fish and shellfish species based on their position in the aquatic food web. TL2 accounts for 

benthic filter feeders, TL3 accounts for forage fish, and TL4 accounts for predatory fish. 

In order to derive the trophic level breakdown of the 22 grams/day freshwater and 

estuarine FCR, the trophic level specific freshwater and estuarine FCR data sets for adults 21 

years of age and older were identified (USEPA, 2014: see Tables 16a, 17a, and 18a). In each 

trophic level νζ͋̽Ί͕Ί̽ ͇̯χ̯ ν͋χ΂ χ·͋ ι̯χΊΪ Ϊ͕ χ·̯χ χιΪζ·Ί̽ Μ͋ϭ͋Μ͛ν 90th percentile FCR compared to 

the summation of all three trophic level specific 90th percentile FCRs was applied to the 22 

grams/day FCR used in this update. The trophic level ratios were calculated as follows: TL ratio 

= 90th percentile FCR for the TL divided by the sum of the 90th percentile FCRs for all TLs. TL2 = 

7.6/21.3 = 0.3568 (35.68%), TL3 = 8.6/21.3 = 0.4038 (40.38%), and TL4 = 5.1/21.3 = 0.2394 

(23.94%). Applying these ratios to the updated FCR of 22 grams/day result in trophic level 

breakdowns of TL2 = 8 grams/day (0.008 kg/day); TL3 = 9 grams/day (0.009 kg/day); and TL4 = 5 

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Toluene 108-88-3 

grams/day (0.005 kg/day). These resulting trophic level FCRs are well within the confidence 

intervals for each of the χιΪζ·Ί̽ Μ͋ϭ͋Μ νζ͋̽Ί͕Ί̽ ͇ΊνχιΊ̼ϢχΊΪΣν͛ 90th percentiles and add to the total 

of 22 grams/day (USEPA, 2014). 

Bioaccumulation Factor 

Several attributes of the bioaccumulation process are important to understand when 

deriving national BAFs for use in setting national 304(a) criteria. First, the term 

̼͞ΊΪ̯̽̽Ϣ΢ϢΜ̯χΊΪΣ͟ ι͕͋͋ιν χΪ χ·͋ Ϣζχ̯Ι͋ ̯Σ͇ ι͋χ͋ΣχΊΪΣ Ϊ͕ ̯ ̽·͋΢Ί̯̽Μ ̼Θ ̯Σ ̯θϢ̯χΊ̽ Ϊιͽ̯ΣΊν΢ 

from ̯ΜΜ νϢιιΪϢΣ͇ΊΣͽ ΢͇͋Ί̯ (͋ ̈́ͽ ̈́΂ Ϯ̯χ͋ι΂ ͕ΪΪ͇΂ ν͇͋Ί΢͋Σχ) ̈́ Α·͋ χ͋ι΢ ̼͞ΊΪ̽ΪΣ̽͋Σχι̯χΊΪΣ͟ ι͕͋͋ιν χΪ 

the uptake and retention of a chemical by an aquatic organism from water only. For some 

chemicals (particularly those that are highly persistent and hydrophobic), the magnitude of 

bioaccumulation by aquatic organisms can be substantially greater than the magnitude of 

bioconcentration. Thus, an assessment of bioconcentration alone may underestimate the 

extent of accumulation in ̯θϢ̯χΊ̽ ̼ΊΪχ̯ ͕Ϊι χ·͋ν͋ ̽·͋΢Ί̯̽Μν ̈́ !̽̽Ϊι͇ΊΣͽΜΘ΂ E ́!͛ν ͽϢΊ͇͋ΜΊΣ͋ν 

presented in the 2000 Methodology emphasize the measurement or estimation of chemical 

bioaccumulation by aquatic organisms (USEPA, 2000). 

Α·͋ ̼ΊΪ̯̽̽Ϣ΢ϢΜ̯χΊΪΣ ͕̯̽χΪιν (!F) ·̯ϭ͋ ̼͋͋Σ ͋νχΊ΢̯χ͇͋ ϢνΊΣͽ E ́!͛ν EνχΊ΢̯χΊΪΣ  ́ιΪͽι̯΢ 

͜Σχ͋ι͕̯̽͋ (E ́͜) ΋ϢΊχ͋ (Ε΋E ́!΂ 2012̯) ̈́ Α·͋ F!FTM ζιΪͽι̯΢ ϮΊχ·ΊΣ E ́͜ ΋ϢΊχ͋ estimates fish 

bioaccumulation factors using octanol-water partition coefficients (KOW) and biotransformation 

data from a model designed by Arnot and Gobas (2003). The model includes mechanistic 

processes for bioaccumulation such as chemical uptake from the water at the gill surface and 

from the diet, chemical elimination at the gill surface, fecal egestion, growth dilution and 

metabolic biotransformation. Other processes included in the calculations are bioavailability in 

the water column (only the freely dissolved fraction can bioconcentrate) and absorption 

efficiencies at the gill and in the gastrointestinal tract. The model requires the octanol-water 

partition coefficient (KOW) of the chemical and the normalized whole-body metabolic 

biotransformation rate constant as input parameters to predict BAF values. Model predictions 

may be highly uncertain for chemicals that have estimated log KOW values > 9. The model is not 

recommended at this time for chemicals that appreciably ionize, for pigments and dyes, or for 

perfluorinated substances (USEPA, 2012a). 

For toluene, BAFs have been estimated using the EPI Suite model (USEPA, 2012a) as 

described above for trophic levels 2, 3, and 4. The estimated lower (TL2), mid (TL3), and upper 

(TL4) trophic level BAFs for toluene (log KOW = 2.73) are 27.6 L/kg, 30.14 L/kg, and 37.79 L/kg 

wet-weight, respectively. These estimated BAFs replace the bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 

10.7 L/kg used in the 2003 criteria derivations, which was calculated from a measured log 

octanol/water partition coefficient (log KOW) of 2.51 and represented all trophic levels (USEPA, 

1980). 

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Hazard Identification and Dose Response: 

Reference Dose 

The reference dose (RfD) is an estimate (with uncertainty spanning approximately an 

order of magnitude) of a daily oral exposure for a chronic duration (up to a lifetime) to the 

human population (including sensitive subgroups) that is likely to be without an appreciable risk 

of deleterious effects during a lifetime. It can be derived from laboratory animal dosing studies 

in which a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL), lowest observed adverse effect level 

(LOAEL), or benchmark dose (with uncertainty factors generally applied to reflect limitations of 

the data used) can be obtained. The previously used RfD for toluene was 2 × 10 –1 mg/kg·day 

(USEPA, 2003). The following information provides the basis for the updated RfD of 0.08 

mg/kg·day (USEPA, 2005) for the updated AWQC. 

The principle study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP, 1990) chosen to calculate 

the reference dose for toluene was based on increased kidney weigh as the critical effect in rats 

orally exposed to toluene. The study was a subchronic study with a lower-bound confidence 

limit on the benchmark dose of 238 mg/kg·day. An uncertainty factor of 3000× was applied to 

account for interspecies extrapolation (10×), intraspecies variation (10×), subchronic to chronic 

study variation (10×), and database insufficiencies (3×) (USEPA, 2005). 

Relative Source Contribution 

The relative source contribution (RSC) component of the human health ambient water 

quality criteria (AWQC) calculation for threshold non-carcinogens and non-linear carcinogens 

allows a percentage of χ·͋ ι͕͋͋ι͋Σ̽͋ ͇Ϊν͋͛ν ͋ϳζΪνϢι͋ χΪ ̼͋ ̯χχιΊ̼Ϣχ͇͋ χΪ ̯΢̼Ί͋Σχ Ϯ̯χ͋ι ̯Σ͇ 

freshwater and estuarine fish consumption (including estuarine species harvested in near 

coastal waters) when there are other potential exposure sources. The RSC describes the portion 

of the RfD available for AWQC-related sources (often a 20% default is utilized) (USEPA, 2000). 

The remainder of the RfD is allocated for other sources of the pollutant. The rationale for this 

approach is that for pollutants exhibiting threshold effects, the objective of the AWQC is to 

͋ΣνϢι͋ χ·̯χ ̯Σ ΊΣ͇ΊϭΊ͇Ϣ̯Μ͛ν χΪχ̯Μ ͋ϳζΪνϢι͋ ͕ιΪ΢ ̯ΜΜ νΪϢι̽͋ν ͇Ϊ͋ν ΣΪχ ͋ϳ͇̽͋͋ χ·̯χ χ·ι͋ν·ΪΜ͇ Μ͋ϭ͋Μ ̈́ 

Exposures outside of the RSC include, but are not limited to, exposure to a particular pollutant 

from marine fish consumption (not included in the fish consumption rate), non-fish food 

consumption (fruits, vegetables, and grains), dermal exposure, and respiratory exposure. The 

percentage of exposure of the reference dose that these other exposures account for is equal 

to 100 percent minus the RSC. 

͜Σ χ·͋ ̯̼ν͋Σ̽͋ Ϊ͕ ν̽Ί͋ΣχΊ͕Ί̽ ͇̯χ̯΂ χ·͋ ̯ζζΜΊ̯̽χΊΪΣ Ϊ͕ χ·͋ E ́!͛ν ͇͕̯͋ϢΜχ ϭ̯ΜϢ͋ Ϊ͕ 20 ζ͋ι̽͋Σχ 

RSC in calculating 304(a) criteria or establishing State or Tribal water quality standards under 

Section 303(c) will ensure that the designated use for a water body is protected. This 20 

percent default for RSC can only be replaced where sufficient data are available to develop a 

scientifically defensible alternative value. If appropriate, scientific data demonstrating that 

other sources and routes of exposure besides water and freshwater/estuarine fish are not 

7
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toluene 108-88-3 

anticipated for the pollutant in question, then the RSC may be raised to the appropriate level, 

based on the data (USEPA, 2000). 

The AWQC for toluene are calculated using the default RSC of 20 percent and comply 

with the 2000 Methodology (USEPA, 1987; USEPA, 2000; USEPA, 2003). 

Criteria Derivation- Analysis 

Table 1 summarizes model inputs used to derive the 2014 updated human health 

ambient water quality criteria for toluene. Criteria calculations are presented below. These 

updated toluene criteria recommendations are based on the 2000 Methodology and updated 

exposure assumptions as described above (Exposure Factors). 

Table 1. Summary of input parameters for 2014 human health ambient water quality criteria 

for toluene 

Component Value Source Input Characterization 

RfD 0.08 mg/kg·day USEPA, 

2005 

uncertainty factor = 3000 (10 for interspecies 

extrapolation; 10 for intraspecies variation; 10 for 

subchronic to chronic variation; 3 for database 

insufficiencies) 

RSC 0.20 

USEPA, 

1987; 

USEPA, 

2000; 

USEPA, 

2003 

default value 

BW 80 kg USEPA, 

2011 mean weight for adults (≥21 Θ̯͋ιν of age) 

DI 3 L/day USEPA, 

2011 90th ζ͋ι̽͋ΣχΊΜ͋ ͕Ϊι ̯͇ϢΜχν (≥21 Θ̯͋ιν of age) 

FCR 

TL2 0.008 kg/day USEPA, 

2014 

90th percentile consumption rate for the U.S. adult 

population (≥21 Θ̯͋ιν of age) TL3 0.009 kg/day 

TL4 0.005 kg/day 

BAF 

TL2 27.6 L/kg 

USEPA, 

2012a 

EPI Suite KOW model estimated steady-state BAF 

values for non-ionic organic chemicals in 3 general 

trophic levels of fish in temperate environments 

(10°C) 

TL3 30.14 L/kg 

TL4 37.79 L/kg 

For consumption of water and organisms:
 

AWQC (μg/L) = RfD (mg/kg·d) × RSC × BW (kg) × 1000 μg/mg
 4 DI (L/d) + ∑ (F· Ί=2 Ί (Ιͽ ͇) ∓ !FΊ (ͫ/Ιͽ))

8
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toluene 108-88-3 

= 0.08 mg/kg·d × 0.20 × 80 kg × 1000 μg/mg 

3 L/d + ((0.008 kg/d × 27.6 L/kg) + (0.009 kg/d × 30.14 L/kg) + (0.005 kg/d × 37.79 L/kg)) 

= 347.731 μg/L (rounded to 300 μg/L because of significant figures) 

For consumption of organisms only: 

 

 

 

 

 

AWQC (μg/L) = RfD (mg/kg·d) × RSC × BW (kg) × 1000 (μg/mg) 

∑ Ί

4

2 (F·Ί (Ιͽ/͇) ∓ !FΊ (ͫ/kͽ))

= 0.08 mg/kg·d × 0.20 × 80 kg × 1000 μg/mg 

(0.008 kg/d × 27.6 L/kg) + (0.009 kg/d × 30.14 L/kg) + (0.005 kg/d × 37.79 L/kg) 

= 1,879.561 μg/L (rounded to 2,000 μg/L because of significant figures) 

The updated human health ambient water quality criteria for toluene are 300 μg/L 

(water and organism) and 2,000 μg/L (organism only) (Table 2). These updated criteria replace 

the previously published values (USEPA, 2003). 

Table 2. ΋Ϣ΢΢̯ιΘ Ϊ͕ E ́!͛ν ζι͋̽ΊΪϢνΜΘ ι͋̽Ϊ΢΢͋Σ͇͇͋ (2003) and updated (2014) human health 

ambient water quality criteria for toluene 

2003 Human Health AWQC 2014 Human Health AWQC 

Water and Organism 1,300 μg/L 300 μg/L 

Organism Only 15,000 μg/L 2,000 μg/L 

These AWQC are meant to be protective of human health for the general adult 

population for a set percentage (RSC) of the total allowed daily oral exposure for a chronic 

duration (up to a lifetime) of toluene. 

Criteria Characterization 

The updated 2014 human health AWQC for toluene take into account current data on 

health effects and exposure input parameters, consistent with the 2000 Methodology. The 

updated 2014 human health AWQC for toluene are about an order of magnitude lower than 

E ́!͛ν ζι͋ϭΊΪϢνΜΘ ιecommended 2003criteria; i.e. the water-and-organism criterion increased 

from 1,300 to 300 μg/L and the organism-only criterion increased from 15,000 to 2,000 μg/L 

(Table 2). The following paragraphs describe the individual influence of each of the revised 

model inputs and exposure assumptions on the overall change in value. 

Body Weight 

E ́!͛ν Ϣζ͇̯χ͇͋ !ΡΆ ̯ννϢ΢͋ ̯ ·Ίͽ·͋ι ̼Ϊ͇Θ Ϯ͋Ίͽ·χ ̽Ϊ΢ζ̯ι͇͋ χΪ χ·͋ ζι͋ϭΊΪϢνΜΘ 

recommended 2003 criteria, reflecting a recent rise in average adult body weight among the 

U.S. population. The updated body weight assumption of 80 kg based on recent survey data 

from the 1999−2006 NHANES data is 10 kg greater than the previous recommendation of 70 kg. 

Assuming all other input parameters remain constant, a higher average body weight in the 

9
 

=
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toluene 108-88-3 

AWQC calculations (Eq. 1 and 2 above) results in higher AWQC. That is, as body weight 

increases, the level of a contaminant in water at or below which negative health effects are not 

anticipated from a lifetime of exposure also increases. 

Drinking Water Intake 

The updated drinking water intake assumption is 3 L/day, which is higher than the 

previously recommended rate of 2 L/day. Assuming all other input parameters remain constant, 

a higher drinking water intake assumption in the AWQC calculations (Eq. 1 and 2 above) results 

in lower AWQC. That is, as drinking water intake increases, and thus overall exposure increases, 

the level of a contaminant in water at or below which negative health effects are not 

anticipated from a lifetime of exposure decreases. 

Fish Consumption Rate 

The updated fish consumption rate is 22 g/day, divided into trophic level rates of 8 

g/day, 9 g/day, and 5 g/day for trophic levels 2, 3, and 4, respectively, which is higher than the 

previously recommended rate of 17.5 g/day. Assuming all other input parameters remain 

constant, a higher fish consumption rate assumption in the AWQC calculations (Eq. 1 and 2 

above) results in lower AWQC. That is, as fish consumption increase, and thus overall exposure 

increases, the level of a contaminant in water at or below which negative health effects are not 

anticipated from a lifetime of exposure decreases. 

Bioaccumulation Factor 

The updated AWQC rely on EPI Suite model-estimated BAFs rather than the previously 

recommended BCF of 10.7 L/kg. The lower (TL2), mid (TL3), and upper (TL4) trophic level BAFs 

assumed in the updated criteria equations (Eq. 1 and 2 above) are 27.6, 30.14, and 37.79 L/kg 

wet-weight, respectively. Assuming all other input parameters remain constant, the higher 

ratios of fish tissue concentrations to water concentrations of toluene by aquatic organisms 

result in lower AWQC. That is, as bioaccumulation or bioconcentration of a contaminant in fish 

and shellfish increases, and thus overall exposure increases, the level of a contaminant in water 

at or below which negative health effects are not anticipated from a lifetime of exposure 

decreases. The utilization of a bioaccumulation factor rather than a bioconcentration factor 

better represents the amount of a contaminant accumulating in an organism because it 

̯̽̽ΪϢΣχν ΣΪχ ΪΣΜΘ ͕Ϊι χ·͋ Ϊιͽ̯ΣΊν΢͛ν ͋ϳζΪνϢι͋ χΪ χ·͋ ζΪΜΜϢχ̯Σχ ΊΣ χhe water column, but also 

from the food chain and surrounding environment as well as biotransformation of the pollutant 

in the organism due to metabolic processes. The utilization of the three trophic levels of fish 

and shellfish consumed, as opposed to representing all trophic levels of fish and shellfish 

consumed by a single value, allows for better exposure representation, especially when 

pollutants bioaccumulate in significantly different amounts for organisms in different trophic 

levels at different positions in the food chain. 

10
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toluene 108-88-3 

Reference Dose 

The updated RfD of 0.08 mg/kg·day replaces the higher value of 2 × 10 –1 mg/kg·day. The 

change in the RfD was due to a change in the methodologies used to evaluate the key study 

which resulted in a different no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and composite 

uncertainty factor (USEPA, 2005). Assuming all other input parameters remain constant, a 

lower RfD in the AWQC calculations (Eq. 1 and 2 above) results in lower AWQC. That is, as the 

RfD decreases, the level of a contaminant in water at or below which negative health effects 

are not anticipated from a lifetime of exposure decreases. 

Additional routes of exposure to a particular pollutant besides exposure from water 

intake and fish consumption are possible and may be considered when setting criteria for a 

state or tribe. Possible additional routes include, but are not limited to, dermal exposure, 

inhalation exposure, marine fish and shellfish consumption (when not included in the fish 

consumption rate), and non-fish dietary exposures (fruits, vegetables, grains, meats or poultry). 

If scientific evidence exists which indicate that one or more of these routes pose a significant 

risk of exposure, states and authorized tribes are encouraged to ensure that subpopulations are 

adequately protected. 

States, territories, and authorized tribes have the flexibility to develop criteria, on a sitespecific basis, that provide additional protection appropriate for highly exposed populations. 

EPA is aware that exposure patterns in general, and fish consumption in particular, vary 

substantially. EPA understands that highly exposed populations may be widely distributed 

geographically throughout a given state, territory, or authorized tribal area. EPA recommends 

that priority be given to identifying and adequately protecting the most highly exposed 

populations. Thus, if a state, territory, or authorized tribe determines that a highly exposed 

population is at greater risk and would not be adequately protected by criteria based on the 

general population, and by the national 304(a) criteria in particular, the state, territory, or 

authorized tribe may adopt more stringent criteria using alternative exposure assumptions 

(USEPA, 2000). Subpopulations that may be considered include, but are not limited to, 

recreational fishers, subsistence fishers, women of childbearing age, and children. When 

scientific data exist showing one of these subpopulations is at risk of greater exposure to the 

pollutant or are biologically more sensitive, then the relevant inputs should be considered in 

setting criteria. This could entail raising the fish consumption rate to a level more reflective of 

the subpopulation based on collected data or adjusting the body weight and drinking water 

intake. 

Chemical Name / Synonyms 

 Toluene (CAS Number 108-88-3)

 Antisal 1a

 Benzene, Methyl

 Methacide

 Methylbenzene

11
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toluene 108-88-3 

 Methylbenzol

 Monomethylbenzene

 NCI-C07272

 Phenylmethane

 RCRA Waste Number U220

 Tolueen

 Toluen

 Toluol

 Toluolo

 Tolu-Sol

 UN 1294

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Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NTP TR 371. Available from: 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC. 

USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1980. Ambient Water Quality Criteria for 

Toluene. Office of Water. Washington, DC. EPA-440-5-80-075. 

http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/upload/AWQC-forToluene_1980.pdf. 

USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1987. Toluene Health Advisory. Office of 

Drinking Water. Washington, DC. EPA-820-K-87-005. 

http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/9100IAQ5.TXT?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EP 

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esults%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1&SeekPage=x&ZyPURL. 

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the United States. Washington, DC. EPA-821-C-02-003. 

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http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/health/upload/consumpti 

on_report.pdf. 

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Criteria for the Protection of Human Health. Federal Register 68: 75507-75515. 

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USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2011. Exposure Factors Handbook: 2011 

Edition. Office of Research and Development. Washington, DC. EPA-600-R-09-052F. 

http://www.epa.gov/ncea/efh/pdfs/efh-complete.pdf. 

USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2012̯ ̈́ EνχΊ΢̯χΊΪΣ  ́ιΪͽι̯΢ν ͜Σχ͋ι͕̯̽͋ ΋ϢΊχ͋TM 

for Microsoft® Windows, v 4.10. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 

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USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2012b. Framework for Human Health Risk 

Assessment to Inform Decision Making. Office of the Science Advisor. Washington, DC. 

EPA-601-D-12-001. http://www.epa.gov/raf/files/framework-document-7-13-12.pdf. 

USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2014. Estimated Fish Consumption Rates for 

the U.S. Population and Selected Subpopulations (NHANES 2003-2010). Office of Water. 

Washington, DC. EPA-820-R-14-002. 

13