Toluene was tested for carcinogenicity by inhalation exposure in one study in mice and in one study in rats. No significant increase in the incidence of tumours was observed. Repeated application of toluene to the skin of mice did not result in an increased incidence of skin tumours. Toluene is mainly converted to benzyl alcohol and excreted as hippurate. Its toxicokinetics in humans have been extensively studied.
Toluene toxicity is most prominent in the central nervous system after acute and chronic exposure.
Reproductive toxicity has been observed in exposed humans and rats. These effects have also been observed in rats and mice in some studies and in cultured mammalian cells. DNA adducts have not been detected. There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of toluene. There is evidence suggesting lack of carcinogenicity of toluene in experimental animals.