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NIOSH

m-XYLENE

ICSC: 0085

meta-Xylene
1,3-Dimethylbenzene
m-Xylol
C6H4(CH3)2 / C8H10
Molecular mass: 106.2
ICSC # 0085 		CAS # 108-38-3
RTECS # ZE2275000
UN # 1307
EC # 601-022-00-9
August 03, 2002 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Above 27°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
Above 27°C use a closed system, ventilation, and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
STRICT HYGIENE!

•INHALATION Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Dry skin. Redness.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety spectacles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.)
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids .

Note: C
Xn symbol
R: 10-20/21-38
S: 2-25
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: III
ICSC: 0085 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

m-XYLENE

ICSC: 0085

I

M

P

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A

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D

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A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts with strong acids and strong oxidants .

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 100 ppm as TWA; 150 ppm as STEL A4 (ACGIH 2001). BEI specified by (ACGIH 2001).
EU OEL: 50 ppm as TWA; 100 ppm as STEL (skin) (EU 2000).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 100 ppm (435 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (435 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (655 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 900 ppm See: 95476


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the skin . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system . If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system .Exposure to the substance may enhance hearing damage caused by exposure to noise. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 139°C
Melting point: -48°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.86
Solubility in water:
none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 0.8
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.7
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.02
Flash point: 27°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 527°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.1-7.0
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 3.20

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The recommendations on this Card also apply to technical xylene. See ICSC 0084 o-Xylene and 0086 p-Xylene.
NFPA Code: H 2; F 3; R 0;

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1307-III
Card has been partially updated in January 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0085 m-XYLENE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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