Are xylene fumes harmful?

Are xylene fumes harmful?

Exposure to xylene can irritate the eyes, nose, skin, and throat. Xylene can also cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and in high doses, death. Workers may be harmed from exposure to xylene.

What happens if you smell xylene?

The main effect of inhaling xylene vapor is depression of the central nervous system, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The effects listed below can begin to occur with exposure to air levels of about 100 ppm.

Is xylol carcinogenic?

Toluene and xylene. While no direct human evidence is available, there is recent evidence of carcinogenicity of toluene and xylene at high concentrations in experimental animals.

Can exposure to xylene cause cancer?

Both the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and EPA have found that there is insufficient information to determine whether or not xylene is carcinogenic and consider xylene not classifiable as to its human carcinogenicity.

How can I safely use xylene?

Immediately wash gently and thoroughly with lukewarm, gently flowing water and non-abrasive soap for 15-20 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Thoroughly clean clothing, shoes and leather goods before reuse or dispose of safely. Eye Contact: Avoid direct contact.

Is xylene more toxic than acetone?

The key difference between xylene and acetone is that xylene is a cheap and less toxic solvent, whereas acetone is an expensive and more toxic solvent. Both xylene and acetone are important as solvents in chemistry laboratories.

What does xylene do to the body?

Short-term exposure of people to high levels of xylene can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat; difficulty in breathing; impaired function of the lungs; delayed response to a visual stimulus; impaired memory; stomach discomfort; and possible changes in the liver and kidneys.

Can xylene cause leukemia?

Dr. Adele Seniori Constantini of the Center for Study and Prevention of Cancer and her colleagues also found an increased risk of chronic lymphoid leukemia with benzene exposure. Two other oil-derived industrial chemicals, xylene and toluene, were also tied to greater chronic lymphoid leukemia risk.

Why is xylene banned?

Actually, IFRA banned musk xylene in June 2009 [3], based on risk assessments carried out by an independent Expert Panel [4] that deemed the substance had potential effects on the environment. According to IFRA, its membership accounts for approximately 90% of the global volume of fragrance materials.

Is xylol the same as xylene?

Xylene (from Greek ξύλον xylon, “wood”), xylol or dimethylbenzene is any one of three isomers of dimethylbenzene, or a combination thereof. The mixture is referred to as both xylene and, more precisely, xylenes.

Is xylene safe on skin?

Xylene vapors are mildly irritating to the skin, eyes, and lungs. If liquid xylene is held against the skin, it may cause burning pain. Liquid xylene splashed in the eyes can damage the eyes. Generally, the more serious the exposure, the more severe the symptoms.

What can xylene dissolve?

In keeping with the general rule of thumb that like dissolves like, however, xylene is very good at dissolving other oily compounds that are poorly soluble in water. This makes it an excellent solvent for hydrocarbons and many hydrophobic or water-insoluble compounds like greases and various pesticides and herbicides.

What are the effects of inhaling xylene vapor?

The main effect of inhaling xylene vapor is depression of the central nervous system, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The effects listed below can begin to occur with exposure to air levels of about 100 ppm.

What are the side effects of xylene in cosmetics?

Xylene, like other organic solvents, can dissolve the skin’s natural protective oils. Frequent or prolonged skin contact can cause irritation and dermatitis, dryness, flaking and cracking of the skin.

What is the permissible exposure limit for xylene?

The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit for xylene is 100 ppm as an 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) concentration.

Is xylene safe for pregnant or nursing women?

Xylene inhaled by a woman can reach a developing fetus and can contaminate her breast milk. It is recommended that pregnant and nursing women minimize their exposure to xylene, just as they should minimize their exposure to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.