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Xylene

 

Key Points

Fire

  • Flammable
  • Reacts with strong acids and strong oxidisers
  • Emits acrid smoke and fumes when heated to decomposition. Complete combustion forms carbon dioxide, but carbon monoxide if insufficient oxygen is available
  • In the event of a fire involving xylene, use normal foam and normal fire kit with breathing apparatus

Health

  • Toxic by all routes of exposure
  • CHIP classification: harmful
  • Inhalation may cause irritation of nose, throat and lungs
  • Ingestion causes irritation of the mouth and throat 
  • Severe inhalation or ingestion exposure can cause dizziness, headache, confusion, heart problems, liver and kidney damage and coma
  • Irritating to the skin and eyes
  • Long-term inhalation exposure can cause dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, anorexia, headaches, tiredness and irritability
  • There is no convincing evidence that xylene can cause cancer in humans

Environment

  • Avoid release into the environment
  • Inform the Environment Agency of substantial releases

 

All sections of the compendia are available to download:

 

 

CHAPD HQ, HPA
2010
Version 1

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.

                      
 

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Compendium of Chemical Hazards