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Section 1 - Product Identification
Xylene is a mixture of the ortho para and meta xylene isomers with ethyl benzene.
Section II - Composition/Information on Components
Ingredients CAS# OSHA Pel ACGIH TLV Other Limits %
Xylenes 1330-20-7 100 ppm (TWA) 150 ppm (STEL) 77 - 81%
Ethyl Benzene 100-41-4 100 ppm (TWA) 125 ppm (STEL) 18 - 22%
Section III - Hazards Identification
Overview: Vapor is irritating to nose and throat. Prolonged exposure may cause pulmonary edema. Skin contact causes
local defatting of the skin which will cause irritation and chaffing. Long term exposure may cause CNS disturbance and
damage to the liver and kidneys.
Safety Ratings
Health: Hazardous Flammability: Flammable Reactivity: Slight Contact: Hazardous
Recommended safety equipment: safety goggles, lab coat and proper gloves
Storage: Room Temperature away from sources of ignition.
NFPA Ratings
Health = 2 Flammability = 3 Reactivity = 1
Potential Health Effects
The toxicology of this compound have not been completely examined. It is presumed that the toxicity of this item is
similar to other aromatic hydrocarbons.
Inhalation: Irritating to nose and throat. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS disturbance, dizziness,
headache, stupor, coma and death. Not normally a problem at ambient temperature.
Ingestion: Although the acute toxicity of xylene is low, ingestion can causes extreme irritation to GI tract.. Cause mild to
severe pulmonary injury If small amounts are aspirated into the respiratory tract.
Skin contact: Repeated contact causes defatting of the skin with resultant irritation and flaking.
Eye contact: May be irritating.
Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure can cause skin rash and/or damage to eyes, liver or kidneys.
Aggravation of preexisting conditions: Impaired kidney and liver function may be aggravated. Preexisting eye, skin, and
respiratory conditions may also be aggravated.
MSDS for Xylene, page 1 of 3
Section IV - First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Remove from source of exposure and get medical attention for any breathing difficulty.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Vomiting may occur spontaneously, in which case try to prevent the vomitus from
being aspirated into the lungs. Get immediate medical attention even if symptoms improve.
Skin Contact: In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and flush with water. Wash affected area with
soap and water. Get medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: In case of eye contact, flush with water minutes and get medical attention if irritation develops.
Section V - Fire Fighting Measures
Flash point: 27oC (80oF) TCC
Flammable Limits: LEL 1% UEL 6.6%
Explosion: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel along ground to ignition source..
Fire Extinguishing Media: Alcohol type foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical. Water is ineffective against alcohol fires
but may be used to cool adjacent containers.
Special information: Pyrolysis will release toxic oxides such as carbon monoxide.
Section VI - Accidental Release Measures
Remove all sources of ignition, absorb with a suitable absorbent (such as paper towels) and dispose. The preferred
disposal method is incineration. Many localities restrict the amount of alcohol that may be flushed down the drain.
Insure compliance with all government regulations.
Section VII - Handling and Storage
Store in a closed container, away from open flames or other sources of ignition.
Section VIII - Exposure Control/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits: See section II
Ventilation System: Usually not required. When required, Refer to the ACGIH document, "Industrial Ventilation, a
Manual of Recommended Practices" for details about ventilation.
Personal Respirator: Usually not required. In case of emergency, or when exposure levels are unknown, use a positive
pressure, full face piece, air supplied respirator.
Skin protection: Protective gloves are not required but recommended as part of good laboratory practice.
Eye Protection: Laboratory safety goggles or similar products are not required but recommended as part of good
laboratory practice.
Section IX - Physical and Chemical Properties
Boiling Point: 279oC VOC: 867 g/l
Vapor pressure (mm Hg): 5.1 @ 20oC
Density: 0.867 g/ml
Evaporation Rate (n-Butyl Acetate = 1): 0.86 Vapor Density (air = 1): 3.7
Solubility: Not miscible with water (solubility < 0.08%)
Appearance and Odor: A clear colorless liquid with the Characteristic odor of xylene.
Section X - Stability and Reactivity
Stability: Stable.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nothing unusual.
Hazardous polymerization: Will not occur.
Incompatibilities: Oxidixers.
Conditions to avoid: heat, flame and sources of ignition.
MSDS for Reagent Xylene, page 2 of 3
Section XI - Toxicological Information
Xylene is a possible teratogen.
Cancer lists
Ingredient Known Carcinogenicity? NTP? Anticipated? IARC Category
m-Xylene No No No 3
o-Xylene No No No 3
p-Xylene No No No 3
Ethyl Benzene No No No 2B
Section XII - Ecological Information
Environmental Fate: Not biodegradable
Environmental Toxicity: Slightly toxic to marine organisms.
Xylene evaporates quickly and is not expected to bioaccumulate. The material is removed from the air by dry and liquid
adsorption. The half-life for xylene in the atmosphere is less than one day.
Section XIII - Disposal
Incineration is the preferred method. Because xylene is flammable and not water soluble, local governments usually
restrict the amount of xylene that may be flushed down drain. Insure compliance with all government regulation
Section XIV - Transportation information
DOT Shipping name: Xylene Hazard Class: 3 Packaging Group II
DOT Hazard Label: Flammable liquid DOT Identification Number: UN1307
Bottles smaller than 32 Fl. Oz. are eligible to be shipped under ORM-D or limited quantity exemptions [49 CFR section
173.150(b)(2) and 173.150(C)].
Section XV - Regulatory Information
Chemical Inventory Status
Ingredient TSCA EC
Xylene Yes Yes
Federal, State and International Regulations
SARA 302 SARA 313 RCRA TSCA
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Category 261.33 8(D)
Xylene No No Yes No No No
Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: Yes
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes, Chronic: Yes Fire: Yes
Section XVI - Other Information
This information is believed to be correct but is not waranteed as such, nor does it purport to be all inclusive.
Prepared by: P. B. Revision Date: Feb. 15, 2006