Abstract:

Toluene and xylene are important organic solvents and diluents，valued for their excellent solubility and widely used in the chemical，paint，electronics，and furniture manufacturing industries. In occupational exposure settings，these compounds can be absorbed into the body through the respiratory tract and skin，leading to multi-system toxicity. This article systematically reviews the associated occupational health hazards and their mechanisms of action. Research indicates that the nervous system is a primary target，with exposure potentially causing headaches，memory loss，and other symptoms of neurasthenic syndrome. The hematological toxicity is particularly notable，which may lead to leukopenia and even aplastic anemia. Direct contact can irritate the respiratory mucosa，cause chronic inflammation，and result in contact dermatitis and skin fissures. Recent studies have further established links between exposure to toluene and xylene and high-frequency hearing loss，reproductive endocrine disruptions，as well as liver and kidney dysfunction. The core mechanisms underlying these toxic effects are widely recognized to involve oxidative stress，inflammatory responses，apoptosis，and aberrant gene expression pathways. By integrating the current evidence，this review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for improving the occupational health surveillance system，optimizing exposure limit standards，and exploring targeted intervention strategies.

Key words: Toluene, Xylene, Respiratory system, Nervous system, Hematologic system, Auditory system, Reproductive system