That figure equals 4,686 pounds, or four times the reportable quantity. Chalk said Nashua Corp. officials have since admitted that they made a mistake in not reporting the leak to all of the local officials listed in their hazardous materials management plan. Chalk read from a material safety data sheet on toluene, which he had pulled off the Internet. Toluene may cause mutations and may damage a developing fetus. Exposure may irritate the nose, throat and eyes.
High levels can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, unconsciousness and death.
Repeated exposures can damage bone marrow, causing low blood cell counts, and can also damage the liver and kidneys. Toluene can cause slow reflexes, trouble concentrating and headaches. Prolonged contact may cause a skin rash. Selectman Tony Pellegrino was particularly critical of the company upon hearing about the health effects. This is a very dangerous chemical here.