- The level of exposure to potentially toxic chemicals in plastic glue depends on how, and for how long, you use the glue. Glue is more poisonous when used indoors because the lack of air circulation leads to a higher concentration of chemicals in the air. Exposure levels are generally safe when you use plastic glue for a short period of time in a well-ventilated area.
- Direct inhalation (e.g. sniffing or "huffing") of plastic glue results in exposure to dangerous levels of Toluene and Trichloroethylene.
- According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Toluene can cause damage to the central nervous system and has been proven to cause birth defects in pregnant women who are plastic glue abusers. People have died after eating plastic glue containing Toluene.
- According to the California Department of Health Services, Trichloroethylene causes increasingly serious damage to the central nervous system. Short-term exposure can cause headaches and dizziness, while long-term exposure leads to facial paralysis and impairs liver and kidney functions. Trichloroethylene has been proven to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
- Toulene can be detected in the blood or urine during the 12 hours after exposure to assess for toxicity levels. Trichloroethylene, on the other hand, remains in the body for up to three weeks.
Routine Exposure
Deliberate Exposure
Toluene Toxicity
Trichloroethylene Toxicity
Testing
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