Toluene and xylene, these two colorless liquids with a fragrant aroma, are actually not unfamiliar in our daily lives. Due to their volatile and flammable characteristics, they are often used as diluents for adhesives and epoxy resins or solvents for paints and coatings. However, beauty often hides unknown dangers behind it.
Did you know? Toluene and xylene are actually common “invisible killers” indoors. They may be lurking in wallpaper, adhesives, paints, and even in the smoke from burning tobacco. Furthermore, xylene is widely present in various daily products such as solvents, pesticides, and polyester fibers.
Although their toxicity is not as intense as that of benzene, the hazards of toluene and xylene cannot be ignored. The World Health Organization has classified them as potential carcinogens. Our health is at risk when we are exposed to these harmful substances for a prolonged period.
Benzene derivatives, including benzene, toluene, and xylene, are like “invisible poisons” that silently harm our central nervous system and blood system. You may experience headaches, dizziness, insomnia at night, and gradually decreasing memory. What’s worse, they may also trigger blood system disorders.
Especially for women, the hazards of toluene and xylene seem to target them more. Long-term exposure to these substances may affect women’s reproductive function, causing irregular menstruation. For pregnant women, exposure to these harmful substances is even more taboo, as they may increase the risk of complications such as gestational hypertension, pregnancy vomiting, and pregnancy anemia.
Therefore, we must be more vigilant in our daily lives and try to avoid prolonged exposure to these harmful substances. Protecting our health is the most important thing.
