Common Name: Xylenes CAS Number: 1330-20-7 DOT Number: UN 1307 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Xylenes can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Xylenes may damage the developing fetus. * They can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. High levels can cause dizziness, passing out and death. * Repeated exposure may damage bone marrow causing low blood cell count. They may also damage the eyes, and cause stomach problems. * Xylenes may cause problems with memory and concentration. * Xylenes are FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS and FIRE HAZARDS. IDENTIFICATION Xylenes are all similar chemicals, forming a clear liquid with a strong odor. They are used as solvents and in making drugs, dyes, insecticides and gasoline. REASON FOR CITATION * Xylenes are on the Hazardous Substance List because they are regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA, DEP and EPA. * These chemicals are on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because they are FLAMMABLE. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 1.1 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 100 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 150 ppm, not to be exceeded during any (15 minute) work period. (Final Rule January 1989). NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 100 ppm averaged over a 10 hour workshift and 200 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 10 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 100 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 150 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Xylenes and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Xylenes to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Xylenes: * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Xylenes can also cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, tiredness and stomach upset. High levels can cause you to feel dizzy and lightheaded, and to pass out. Very high levels can cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Xylenes and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Xylenes have not been tested for their ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * Xylenes may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can damage bone marrow, causing low blood cell count. * Xylenes can damage the liver and kidneys. * Prolonged contact can cause drying and cracking of the skin. * Repeated exposure to Xylenes can cause poor memory, difficulty in concentration and other brain effects. It can also cause damage to the surface of the eye and cause stomach problems. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact), the following is recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Exam of the eyes by slit lamp. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Complete blood count. * Urine concentration of m Methylhippuric Acid (at the end of workshift) as an index of overexposure. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver damage caused by Xylenes. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Xylenes from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for these chemicals by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Xylenes #75 168. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Xylenes should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Xylenes. * On skin contact with Xylenes, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemicals. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Xylenes, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Xylenes are handled, processed, or stored, since the chemicals can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Xylenes. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends the use of Polyvinyl Alcohol for protective material. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 100 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Xylenes, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full face piece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode. * Exposure to 10,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 10,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Xylenes you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Xylenes must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Xylenes are used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Xylenes. * Protect storage containers from physical damage. Common Name: Xylenes DOT Number: UN 1307 DOT Emergency Guide code: 27 CAS Number: 1330-20-7 ---------------------------------------- NFPA Hazard Rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Xylenes are FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * Water spray may be used to reduce vapors. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Xylenes are spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Xylenes out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Xylenes as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 7,9 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 81,90oF (27o 32oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES AND FORMULATIONS Dimethylbenzene. Xylenes may be a common name for any combination of the following: 1,2-Dimethylbenzene (ortho Xylene), CAS #95 47 6 1,3-Dimethylbenzene (meta Xylene), CAS #108 38 3 1,4-Dimethylbenzene (para Xylene), CAS #106 42 3 ------------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Xylene is a mixture of the three isomers of xylene (ortho, meta, and para), with possible trace amounts of ethylbenzene. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is flammable. Xylene is used as a solvent, as a raw material for the production of organic chemicals used to make polyester fibers, and to make dyes. Other uses are in sterilizing catgut and in microscopy. Xylene may enter the environment from industrial discharges, municipal waste treatment plant discharges, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Since comparative data on the toxicity of the several forms are limited and inconclusive, all forms are considered equal in toxicity for purposes of these ecological fact sheets. Xylene has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Xylene causes injury to various agricultural and ornamental crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of xylene to birds or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Xylene has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of xylene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Xylene is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Xylene is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 99.3% of xylene will eventually end up in water; about 0.5% will end up in water; about 0.1%, respectively will end up in terrestrial soils and in aquatic sediments. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living oranisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of xylene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of xylene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.