title: Toluene-impaired drivers: behavioral observations, impairment assessment, and toxicological findings.
abstract: Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent frequently abused for its euphoric and intoxicating properties. This report describes a series of six cases involving drivers arrested for driving under the influence who subsequently tested positive for toluene. Case data including driving behavior, physiological signs and symptoms, evidence of impairment, and toxicology findings were reviewed. Blood toluene concentrations in the drivers ranged from 12 to 45 mg/L (median 23 mg/L, mean 25 mg/L, SD 12.1 mg/L). All drivers were determined to be intoxicated, and displayed symptoms including balance problems, confusion and disorientation, loss of coordination, and inability to follow instructions. They also displayed horizontal but not vertical nystagmus, elevated pulse and blood pressure, and lower body temperature. These findings are consistent with prior reports that subjects with blood toluene concentrations above 10 mg/L are invariably under the influence and their driving skills are affected.
authors.affiliation: Washington State Toxicology Laboratory, 2203 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA 98134, USA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Capron
authors.forename: Barry K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Logan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000139:chemically induced; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014050:Toluene / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents; D014050:Toluene