Xylene

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Ingestion: Liquid ingestion may result in vomiting; aspiration (breathing) of vomitus into the lungs must be avoided as even small quantities in the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema/hemorrhage. Inhalation: High vapor/aerosol concentrations (greater than approximately 1000 ppm) are irritating to the respiratory tract, may cause headaches, dizziness, anesthesia, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and other central nervous system effects, including death. Negligible hazard at ambient temperature (-18 to 38 Deg C; 0 to 100 Deg F) Skin: Prolonged and repeated liquid contact can cause defatting and drying of the skin which may result in skin irritation and dermatitis. Eyes: Short-term liquid or vapor contact may result in slight eye irritation. Prolonged and repeated contact may be more irritating. High vapor/aerosol concentrations (greater than approximately 1000 ppm) are irritating to the eyes. Summary of Chronic Health Hazards: N/A Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Prolonged or repeated skin contact with this product tends to remove oils possibly leading to irritation and dermatitis; however, based on human experience and available toxicological data, this product is judged to be neither a "corrosive" nor an "irritant" by OSHA criteria. Effects of Overexposure: High vapor concentration (greater than approximately 1000 ppm) are irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract, may cause headaches and dizziness, are anesthetic, and may have other central nervous system effects including death.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Petroleum Solvents/Petroleum Hydrocarbons - Skin contact may aggravate an existing dermatitis. Note to Physicians: If more than 2.0 ml per kg has been ingested and vomiting has not occurred, emesis should be induced with supervision. Keep victim's head below hips to prevent aspiration. If symptoms such as loss of gag reflex, convulsions or unconsciousness occur before emesis, gastric lavage using a cuffed endotracheal tube should be considered. Inhalation of high concentrations of this material, as could incur in enclosed spaces or during deliberate abuse, may be associated with cardiac arrhythmias. Sympathomimetic may initiate cardiac arrhythmias in persons exposed to this material. This material is an aspiration hazard. Potential danger from aspiration must be weighed against possible oral toxicity when deciding whether to induce vomiting. Preexisting disorders of the following organs (or organ systems) may be aggravated by exposure to this material: skin, lung (for example, asthma-like conditions), kidney, auditory system. Individuals with preexisting heart disorders may be mre susceptible to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) if exposed to high concentrations of this material.