Xylene

Potential Acute Health Effects

Eye Contact Causes moderate eye irritation. Symptoms of exposure may include a burning sensation, redness, swelling and blurred vision. Skin Contact: Causes moderate skin irritation. Skin irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning sensation, redness, swelling and blisters. May be absorbed through the skin. Inhalation: Elevated temperatures or mechanical action may form vapours, mist, or fumes which may be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, or lungs. The main effect of inhaling xylene vapor is depression of the central nervous system (CNS), with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Irritation of the nose and throat may also occur. High concentration may cause incoordination, loss of consciousness, respiratory failure and death. Reversible liver and kidney damage has been reported in cases of severe xylene exposure. Neurobehavioral effects such as impaired short term memory and reaction time and alterations in body balance have also been found in short term studies. Aspiration hazard! Small amounts aspirated into the lungs during ingestion or vomiting may cause lung injury, possibly leading to death. Symptoms of aspiration into the lungs include coughing, gasping, choking, shortness of breath, bluish discolored skin, rapid breathing and heart rate. Chemical pneumonitis from aspiration may result in fever. Pulmonary edema or bleeding, drowsiness, confusion, coma and seizures may occur in more serious cases. Symptoms may develop immediately or as late as 24 hours after the exposure, depending on how much chemical entered the lungs. Ingestion: May be slightly toxic. Ingestion of large amounts of xylene is likely to cause CNS effects such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Aspiration into the lungs may occur during ingestion or vomiting, resulting in lung injury.