Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

XYLENE, ORTHO-LEAN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A strong solvent for general use in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, lacquers,
thinners, inks, rubber, pesticides, herbicides and paint strippers.

SYNONYMS

C8-H10, C6H4(CH3)2, "aromatic hydrocarbons, C8, o-xylene lean", "aromatic hydrocarbons,
C8, o-xylene lean", "xylene (mixed isomers)", methyltoluene, "methyl toluene",
dimethylbenzene, "dimethyl benzene", "solvent xylene", "zylene (sic)"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

HARMFUL - May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Flammable.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments. The liquid may produce gastrointestinal discomfort and may be harmful if swallowed. Ingestion may result in nausea, pain and vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration may cause potentially lethal chemical pneumonitis.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Xylene is a central nervous system depressant.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  Toxic effects are increased by consumption of alcohol.  Inhalation of high concentrations of gas/vapor causes lung irritation with coughing and nausea, central nervous depression with headache and dizziness, slowing of reflexes, fatigue and inco-ordination.  If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of vapor.  Chronic solvent inhalation exposures may result in nervous system impairment and liver and blood changes. [PATTYS].  Prolonged or continuous skin contact with the liquid may cause defatting with drying, cracking, irritation and dermatitis following.  Small excess risks of spontaneous abortion and congenital malformation  was reported amongst women exposed to xylene in the first trimester of  pregnancy. In all cases however the women had also been exposed to other  substances. Evaluation of workers chronically exposed to xylene has  demonstrated a lack of genotoxicity. Exposure to xylene has been  associated with increased risks of haemopoietic malignancies but, again  simultaneous exposure to other substances (including benzene) complicate  the picture. A long-term gavage study of mixed xylenes (containing 17%  ethyl benzene) found no evidence of carcinogenic activity in rats and  mice of either sex.