International Chemical Safety Cards

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

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, AFFF, 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. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. 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	Abdominal pain. Burning sensation (further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

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.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

Note: C
Xn symbol
R: 10-20/21-38
S: 2-25
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group:

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0085

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1998. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

m-XYLENE

ICSC: 0085

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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 violently with strong oxidants such as nitric acid.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 100 ppm; 434 mg/m³ (as TWA) (ACGIH 1993-1994).
TLV (as STEL): 150 ppm; 651 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1993-1994).
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

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 irritates the eyes. Exposure far above the OEL may result in central nervous system depression, unconsciousness and death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system , resulting in decreased learning ability.

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. Also consult ICSC # 0084 and 0086 on o- and p-xylene.

NFPA Code: H 2; F 3; R 0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0085	m-XYLENE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1998

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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