Xylene

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Harmful if inhaled, absorbed through skin, or swallowed. Vapours are irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. Mists or sprays are irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. May cause teratogenic effects. See

Other Health Effects

Section. Flammable liquid and vapour. May cause flash fire or explosion. Can decompose at high temperatures forming toxic gases. Contents may develop pressure on prolonged exposure to heat. Effects (irritancy) on the skin and eyes may be delayed, and damage may occur without the sensation or onset of pain. Strict adherence to first aid measures following any exposure is essential. May cause hearing loss, pulmonary oedema, cardiac arrhythmia, liver damage, kidney damage and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Aromatic hydrocarbons pose potential human health risks which may vary from person to person. Solvent abusers exposed to high doses of aromatic solvents show signs of hearing loss as well as damage to the brain, liver and kidney. (3) Liver damage is characterized by the loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowish skin colour), and occasional pain in the upper left-hand side of the abdomen. Signs and symptoms of kidney damage generally progress from oliguria, to blood in the urine, to total renal failure. CNS depression is characterized by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and incoordination. Severe overexposures may lead to coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Xylene may sensitize heart muscle causing cardiac arrhythmia, in rare cases.

Potential health effects

Inhalation: Contact with mist or spray may cause irritation of mucous membranes, coughing and difficulty in breathing. High vapour concentration may cause dizziness and drowsiness. See "Other Health Effects" Section. Skin Contact: Skin contact can cause irritation, especially under the finger nails (and other confined spaces such as under rings or watch bands). May cause defatting, drying and cracking of the skin. Prolonged and repeated contact may lead to dermatitis. Skin Absorption: May be absorbed through intact skin. Eye Contact: Splashes to the eye may cause irritation, redness and pain. Vapours from this product are irritating to the eyes. Product residues on fingers, hands or gloves may contact the eyes and cause eye irritation, redness and pain. Ingestion: This product causes irritation, a burning sensation of the mouth and throat and abdominal pain.