International Chemical Safety Cards

m-XYLENE ICSC: 0085
m-XYLENE
meta-Xylene
1,3-Dimethylbenzene
m-Xylol
C6H4(CH3)2/C8H10
Molecular mass: 106.2
CAS # 108-38-3
RTECS # ZE2275000
ICSC # 0085
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.
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.

Xn symbol
R: 10-20/21-38
S: (2-)25
Note: C
UN Hazard Class: 3
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 © IPCS CEC 1993

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


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.°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
This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to fish and crustacea.
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
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.