XYLENE
SYNONYMS:
ARISOLINE(+);
AZ THINNER; BENZENE, DIMETHYL; DIMETHYLBENZENE; EEC No. 601-039-00-1 (
m-
isomer); EEC No. 601-040- 00-7 (
p-
isomer); GLID-GUARD HIGH SOLIDS EPOXY NO.
5434; KESTER 5751 PROTECTO; KTI 45(-); 732R; METHYL TOLUENE; MS-470 URETHANE
COATING; MIXED XYLENES; NCIC55232; OMR-83F(-); PROTECTO 5612; PYRALIN PI 2463;
RED GLPT VARNISH; SELECTILUX; ULTRAMAC SOLVENT EPA; WAYCOAT; XILENO (Spanish);
XYLOL; XYLOLE (German)
IDENTIFICATION:
CAS:
1330-20-7;
95-47-6 (
o-
isomer); 108-38-3 (
m
isomer); 106-42-3 (
p-
isomer)
DOT ID:
UN1307
Hazard Class or Division:
3 (FLAMMABLE LIQUID)
ERG Guide:
130
Formula:
C8H10
RTECS No:
ZE2100000;
ZE2450000 (
o-
isomer); ZE2275000 (
m-
isomer); ZE2625000 (
p-
isomer)
Properties:
m-X
ylene is the major constituent of commercial
grade xylene. Highly flammable liquid. Clear, colorless, or light colored.
p-
Xylene is a solid (crystals) below 57°F
(14°C). Sweet, aromatic, gasoline-like odor. Floats on water; insoluble. Vapors
are heavier than air; will collect in low areas.
Uses:
Industrial
solvent used in cleaners, paint thinners, paints and varnishes.
HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
• IDLH:
900
ppm (3960 mg/m3) all isomers.
• IARC:
Group
3, inadequate animal and human evidence.
• Odor threshold:
87 mg/m3 (all isomers).
• NIOSH Criteria Document
: NIOSH C-75-168
•
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that
xylene is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity in humans.
•
OSHA Table Z-1 Air Contaminant
•
The health effects for all xylenes are similar. They irritates the eyes. High
levels of exposure may cause central nervous system depression, resulting in
drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and possible death. Long term exposure has
been associated with heart, liver and kidney damage, and may cause anemia;
intestinal tract disturbances and central nervous system depression. Contact
removes the natural oils from skin, causing “defatting,” causing irritation
and dry, scaley skin. Repeated exposure to xylene due to solvent abuse can
result in progressive and permanent neuropsychiatric manifestations and
learning disabilities.
Animal
studies:
Based on animal
tests, high levels of xylene may be a reproduction toxin, causing increased
numbers of deaths, and delayed growth and development. In many instances, these
same concentrations also cause damage to the mothers. It is not known if xylene
harms the unborn child if the mother is exposed to low levels of xylene
during pregnancy.
Exposure Limits:
•
ACGIH TLV: 100 ppm TWA; 150 ppm STEL, not classifiable as a human carcinogen;
BEI: (technical grade) 1.5 g[methylhippuric acids]/g creatinine in urine, end
of shift
•
OSHA PEL: 100 ppm/435 mg/m3
•
NIOSH REL: 100 ppm/435 mg/m3 TWA; 150 ppm/655 mg/m3 STEL
•
DFG MAK: 100 ppm/440 mg/m3; BAT: 1.5 mg[xylene]/L in blood, end of shift; 2000
mg[methylhippuric (toluric)acid]/L in urine, end of shift
Respirator:
900
ppm:
CCROV [any chemical
cartridge without organic vapor cartridge(s)] PAPROV [any powered,
air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)] SA (any supplied-air
respirator) SCBAF (any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full
facepiece).
Emergency
or Planned Entry into Unknown Concentrations or IDLH Conditions
SCBAF:PD,PP (any self-contained breathing
apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or
other positivepressure mode) SAF:PD,PP:ASCBA (any suppliedair respirator that
has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other
positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained
breathing apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure
mode).
Escape:
GMFOV
[any airpurifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style,
front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister] SCBAE (any appropriate
escape-type, selfcontained breathing apparatus).
Note
: Substance reported to cause eye irritation
or damage; may require eye protection.
Reactivity:
Forms
explosive mixture with air (flash point approximately 84°F/29°C). Strong
oxidizers such as permanganates, dichromates, or chlorine may cause fire and
explosions. Attacks many plastics, rubber, and coatings. May accumulate static
electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors.
FIRE INFORMATION:
Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flash
back. Vapors in confined areas or containers may explode in fire. If material
or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially
contaminated water.
Hazard Classifications:
Health Hazard (Blue)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Flammability (Red)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Reactivity (Yellow)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Flash
Point: 63°F (17°C)
o-
isomer; 84°F (29°C)
m
isomer; 81°F (27°C)
p-
isomer.
Flammable
Limits in Air: LEL 0.9–1.1%; UEL 6.7–7.0%.
Autoignition
Temperature: 986°F (530°C)
m-
and
p
isomers; 869°F (465°C)
o-
isomer.
FIRST AID:
Move
victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial respiration
if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove
and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance,
immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Wash
skin with soap and water. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure
(inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure
that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take
precautions to protect themselves.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
•
Clean Air Act: Hazardous Air Pollutants (Title I, Part A, Section 112) as
xylenes (isomers and mixtures)
•
Clean Water Act: Section 311 Hazardous Substances/RQ 100 lb (45.4 kg); Section
313 Priority Chemicals
•
EPA Hazardous Waste Number (RCRA No.): U239.
•
RCRA Section 261 Hazardous Constituents
•
RCRA Land Ban Waste
•
RCRA Universal Treatment Standards: Wastewater (mg/L), 0.32; Nonwastewater
(mg/kg), 30.
•
RCRA Ground Water Monitoring List: Suggested methods (PQL
μ
g/L): (total) 8020(5); 8240(5).
•
SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT: xylenes (total), MCL, 10 mg/L; MCLG, 10 mg/L;
Regulated chemical (47 FR 9352) as xylene.
•
EPCRA Section 304: Reportable Quantity (RQ): CERCLA, 100 lb (45.4 kg).
•
EPCRA Section 313: Form R
de
minimis
concentration
reporting level: 1.0%.
•
California LOL: CDJMNOPQ; CDGHIJOQ (
o
isomer); CDGHIJMNOQ (
m
-isomer); CDGHIOQ (
p
-isomer); CFGI as zylenes
•
WHMIS, Ingredients Disclosure List (Canada): 1% as
m-
and
o
-isomers; WHMIS, Ingredients Disclosure List
(Canada): 0.1% as
p
-isomer.