XYLENE - OSH Answers - CCOHS

What are other names or identifying information for xylene?

CAS Registry No.: 1330-20-7
Other Names: Dimethylbenzene, Methyltoluene, Xylol (mixed isomers)
Main Uses: Manufacture of other chemicals, fuel component, solvent.
Appearance: Colourless liquid.
Odour: Aromatic

Canadian TDG: UN 1307

What is the WHMIS classification?

B2 - Flammable Liquid; D2A - Very Toxic (Teratogenicity/embryotoxicity); D2B - Toxic (Skin irritant)

Class B2

Class D2A; D2B

What are the most important things to know about xylene in an emergency?

Emergency Overview: Colourless liquid. Aromatic odour. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Can accumulate static charge. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. Can float on water and spread fire. Heating may cause a fire or explosion. CONFINED SPACE HAZARD. Can accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. IRRITANT. Causes moderate or severe skin irritation. ASPIRATION hazard. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. SUSPECT TERATOGEN/EMBRYOTOXIN. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.

What are the potential health effects of xylene?

Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation. Skin contact. Eye contact.

• Inhalation: Can irritate the nose and throat. Can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness.
• Skin Contact: SKIN IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling. Can be absorbed through the skin, but harmful effects are not expected.
• Eye Contact: May cause mild irritation.
• Ingestion: If large amounts are ingested: Can cause effects as described for inhalation. Aspiration hazard. May be drawn into the lungs if swallowed or vomited, causing severe lung damage. Death can result.
• Effects of Long-Term(Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. Exposure to this chemical and loud noise may cause greater hearing loss than expected from noise exposure alone. May harm the nervous system. Conclusions cannot be drawn from the limited studies available.
• Carcinogenicity: Not known to cause cancer.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Group 3 - Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): A4 - Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

• Teratogenicity / Embryotoxicity: DEVELOPMENTAL HAZARD. May harm the unborn child based on animal information. Has been associated with: low birth weight or size, learning disabilities.
• Reproductive Toxicity: Not known to be a reproductive hazard.
• Mutagenicity: Not known to be a mutagen.

What are first aid measures for xylene?

Inhalation: Take precautions to prevent a fire (e.g. remove sources of ignition). Move victim to fresh air. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.

Skin Contact: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective clothing if necessary. Quickly take off contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Immediately wash gently and thoroughly with lukewarm, gently flowing water and non-abrasive soap for 15-20 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Thoroughly clean clothing, shoes and leather goods before reuse or dispose of safely.

Eye Contact: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves if necessary. Quickly and gently blot or brush chemical off the face. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.

Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Have victim rinse mouth with water again. Immediately call a Poison Centre or doctor.

First Aid Comments: All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.

What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for xylene?

Flammable Properties: FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Can ignite at room temperature. Releases vapour that can form explosive mixture with air. Can be ignited by static discharge.

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates.

Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water is not effective for extinguishing a fire. It may not cool product below its flash point.
  
Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Liquid can float on water and may travel to distant locations and/or spread fire. Liquid can accumulate static charge by flow, splashing or agitation. Vapour may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Vapour may accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces, resulting in a toxicity hazard. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents. In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; reactive chemicals; toxic, flammable aldehydes; and other chemicals.

What are the stability and reactivity hazards of xylene?

• Chemical Stability: Normally stable.
• Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, sparks, static discharge, heat and other ignition sources.
• Incompatible Materials: Nitric acid, strong oxidizing agents (e.g. perchloric acid). Not corrosive to metals.
• Hazardous Decomposition Products: Very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; reactive chemicals; very toxic, flammable aldehydes; and other chemicals.
• Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None known.

What are accidental release measures for xylene?

Personal Precautions: Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel out of spill area. Eliminate all ignition sources. Use grounded, explosion-proof equipment.

Methods for Containment and Clean-up:  Small spills or leaks: contain and soak up spill with absorbent that does not react with spilled product. Place used absorbent into suitable, covered, labelled containers for disposal. Large spills or leaks: contact emergency services and manufacturer/supplier for advice.

What handling and storage practices should be used when working with xylene?

Handling: In the event of a spill or leak, exit the area immediately. Eliminate heat and ignition sources such as sparks, open flames, hot surfaces and static discharge. Post "No Smoking" signs. Electrically bond and ground equipment. Ground clips must contact bare metal. Avoid generating vapours or mists. Avoid repeated or prolonged skin contact with product or with contaminated equipment/surfaces.

Storage: Store in an area that is: cool, well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and ignition sources, clear of combustible and flammable materials (e.g. old rags, cardboard), separate from incompatible materials. Keep amount in storage to a minimum. Electrically bond and ground containers. Ground clips must contact bare metal. Avoid bulk storage indoors.

What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) recommended exposure limit for xylene?

ACGIH® TLV® - TWA: 100 ppm A4 BEI

ACGIH® TLV® - STEL [C]: 150 ppm

Exposure Guideline Comments: TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. A4 = Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. BEI® = Biological Exposure Index. STEL = Short-term Exposure Limit. C = Ceiling limit.

What are the engineering controls for xylene?

Engineering Controls: Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control amount in the air. For large scale use of this product: use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe electrical systems in areas where this product is used and stored.

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with xylene?

Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary.

Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Suitable materials include: polyvinyl alcohol, Viton®, Viton®/butyl rubber, Barrier® (PE/PA/PE), Silver Shield/4H® (PE/EVAL/PE), Tychem® BR/LV, Tychem® Responder, Tychem® TK.

Respiratory Protection: Up to 900 ppm: wear a NIOSH approved air-purifying respirator with an organic vapour cartridge, wear a powered air-purifying respirator with an appropriate cartridge, wear a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air respirator.

Document last updated on November 5, 2013

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/xylene.html

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety