Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions of paraffin oil were prepared with sorbitan monooleate (Span 80)/polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) or polyethylene glycol monostearate (SG-6), respectively. The physical characteristics and the absorption of toluene gas in these emulsions were investigated to evaluate the influence of the emulsifier dosage and the oil/water ratio. Both investigated W/O/Wemulsions provided high stabilities and low viscosities. The absorption of toluene gas was excellent, with little foam occurring during the absorption. Although the W/O emulsions with 2-5% SG-6 were of high stability, their high viscosities strongly limited their application as volatile organic compound absorbents. Stable emulsions consisted of small and uniform droplets and some emulsions underwent mild demulsification after the absorption.