Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil, toluene that makes its way into the ground can move through the ground and enter groundwater. Plants and animals are not likely to store toluene. Effects of toluene on human health and the environment depend on how much toluene is present and the length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the condition of the environment when exposure occurs. Breathing large amounts of toluene for short periods of time adversely affects the human nervous system, the kidneys, the liver, and the heart.
Effects range from unsteadiness and tingling in fingers and toes to unconsciousness and death.
Direct, prolonged contact with toluene liquid or vapor irritates the skin and the eyes. These effects are not likely to occur at levels of toluene that are normally found in the environment. Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming smaller amounts of toluene over long periods of time are not known. As a result, humans can develop problems with speech, hearing, and vision. Humans can also experience loss of muscle control, loss of memory, and decreased mental ability.