TOLUNE

International Chemical Safety Cards

TOLUENE

ICSC: 0078

TOLUENE
Methylbenzene
Toluol
C₆H₅CH₃/C₇H₈
Molecular mass: 92.1
CAS # 108-88-3
RTECS # XS5250000
ICSC # 0078
UN # 1294
EC # 601-021-00-3

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
INHALATION	Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. 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. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles or face shield.	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 liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

F symbol
Xn symbol
R: 11-20
S: (2-)16-25-29-33
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0078

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

TOLUENE

ICSC: 0078

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

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

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 50 ppm; 188 mg/m³ (as TWA) (skin) (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 can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. Exposure could cause central nervous system depression. Exposure at high levels may result in cardiac dysrhythmia, unconsciousness and death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system , resulting in decreased learning ability and psychological disorders. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 111°C
Melting point: -95°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.87
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 2.9
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.2

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.06
Flash point: 4°C c.c.°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 480°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.1-7.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.69