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NIOSH

TOLUENE

ICSC: 0078

Methylbenzene
Toluol
Phenylmethane
C6H5CH3 / C7H8
Molecular mass: 92.1
ICSC # 0078 		CAS # 108-88-3
RTECS # XS5250000
UN # 1294
EC # 601-021-00-3
October 10, 2002 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!

•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Dry skin. Redness.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area in large spill! Consult an expert in large spill! Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus in large spill.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

F symbol
Xn symbol
R: 11-38-48/20-63-65-67
S: 2-36/37-46-62
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0078 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

TOLUENE

ICSC: 0078

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are formed easily. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; (skin); A4; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK:
Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
EU OEL: 192 mg/m3 50 ppm as TWA 384 mg/m3 100 ppm as STEL (skin) (EU 2006).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 200 ppm C 300 ppm 500 ppm (10-minute maximum peak)
NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (375 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (560 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 500 ppm See: 108883


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system . If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure at high levels may result in cardiac dysrhythmia and unconsciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system . Exposure to the substance may enhance hearing damage caused by exposure to noise. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 111°C
Melting point: -95°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.87
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 3.8
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.1
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.01
Flash point: 4°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 480°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.1-7.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.69

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. Card has been partly updated in October 2006: see section Occupational Exposure Limits.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1294

NFPA Code: H 2; F 3; R 0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0078 TOLUENE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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