Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients

CAS#	Chemical Name	Percent	EINECS/ELINCS
108-38-3	m-Xylene	> 99	203-576-3

Section 3 - Hazards Identification

Appearance: clear, colorless liquid. Flash Point: 25 deg C.
Warning! Flammable liquid and vapor. Causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Aspiration hazard if swallowed. Can enter lungs and cause damage. May be harmful if absorbed through skin or if inhaled. May cause central nervous system depression.
Target Organs: Central nervous system, respiratory system, eyes, skin.


Potential Health Effects
Eye: Splashes of xylene in human eyes generally cause transient superficial injury. The liquid is probably a mild irritant, based on animal information for mixed xylene isomers.
Skin: May be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Xylene contact causes defatting of the skin with irritation, dryness, and cracking. Blistering may occur, particularly if exposure to concentrated xylene is prolonged and the exposed area of skin is occluded. Xylene liquid or vapor can be absorbed through the skin, but not as readily as when inhaled or ingested. Skin absorption has been reported to be slow and significant harmful effects are not expected by this route. There is one case report of a person developing an allergic skin reaction (contact urticaria) following exposure to xylene (unspecified composition) vapor. The person subsequently tested positive in a patch test. No information was provided regarding previous history of allergies. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the potential for xylene to produce allergic skin reactions, based on this single case report.
Ingestion: Aspiration hazard. May cause irritation of the digestive tract. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.
Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Odor thresholds ranging from 0.07 to 40 ppm have been reported for xylenes. Inhalation overexposure may lead to central nervous system depression, producing effects such as dizziness, headache, confusion, incoordination, nausea, weakness, and loss of consciousness. Extreme exposures may cause other CNS effects including death. Reversible liver and kidney damage has been reported in cases of severe xylene exposure. Industrial fatalities due to gross inhalation exposure have been described.
Chronic: Chronic exposure to xylene may cause defatting dermatitis, reversible eye damage, dyspnea (labored breathing), confusion, dizziness, apprehension, memory loss, headache, tremors, weakness, anorexia, nausea, ringing in the ears, irritability, thirst, mild changes in liver function, kidney impairment, anemia, and hyperplasia, but not destruction, of the bone marrow.

Section 4 - First Aid Measures

Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for a t least 15 minutes. Get medical aid.
Skin: In case of contact, flush skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops and persists. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion: Potential for aspiration if swallowed. Get medical aid immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures

General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Flammable liquid and vapor. Vapors may form an explosive mixture with air. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. This liquid floats on water and may travel to a source of ignition and spread fire. May accumulate static electricity.
Extinguishing Media: Water may be ineffective. This material is lighter than water and insoluble in water. The fire could easily be spread by the use of water in an area where the water cannot be contained. Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
Flash Point: 25 deg C ( 77.00 deg F)
Autoignition Temperature: 527 deg C ( 980.60 deg F)
Explosion Limits, Lower:1.1%
Upper: 7.0%
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 2; Flammability: 3; Instability: 0

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures

General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks: Absorb spill with inert material (e.g. vermiculite, sand or earth), then place in suitable container. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Water spray may reduce vapor but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. U.S. regulations require reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable quantities. This material creates a fire hazard because it floats on water. If possible, try to contain floating material.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage

Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Use only with adequate ventilation. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Avoid breathing vapor or mist.
Storage: Keep away from sources of ignition. Keep container closed when not in use. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below the permissible exposure limits. Ventilation fans and other electrical service must be non-sparking and have an explosion-proof design.
Exposure Limits

Chemical Name	ACGIH	NIOSH	OSHA - Final PELs
m-Xylene	100 ppm TWA; 150 ppm STEL	100 ppm TWA; 435 mg/m3 TWA 900 ppm IDLH	100 ppm TWA; 435 mg/m3 TWA (listed under Xylenes (o-, m-, p- isomers)).

OSHA Vacated PELs: m-Xylene: No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed for this chemical.
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear chemical splash goggles.
Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators: Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29 CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Use a NIOSH/MSHA or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced.

Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid
Appearance: clear, colorless
Odor: aromatic odor
pH: Not applicable.
Vapor Pressure: 8.29 mm Hg @ 25 deg C
Vapor Density: 3.66 (air=1)
Evaporation Rate:0.7 (butyl acetate=1)
Viscosity: <32.6 SUS
Boiling Point: 139 deg C
Freezing/Melting Point:-48 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:Not available.
Solubility: Insoluble.
Specific Gravity/Density:0.86 (water=1)
Molecular Formula:C8H10
Molecular Weight:106.17

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, ignition sources.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, nitric acid.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

Section 11 - Toxicological Information

RTECS#:      
CAS# 108-38-3: ZE2275000
LD50/LC50:
CAS# 108-38-3:
     Draize test, rabbit, eye: 5 mg/24H Severe;
     Draize test, rabbit, skin: 20 mg/24H Moderate;
     Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 5267 ppm/6H;
     Oral, rat: LD50 = 4988 mg/kg;
     Skin, rabbit: LD50 = 14100 uL/kg;
.

Carcinogenicity:
CAS# 108-38-3: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or CA Prop 65.

Epidemiology: 175 workers were exposed to 21 ppm of xylene for 7 years. Subjective symptoms such as anxiety, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate and dizziness were reported. Xylenes accounted for >70% of the total exposure. Liver & kidney effects were not reported
Teratogenicity: No increased incidence of birth defects was reported in a study of lab workers exposed to xylene during early pregnancy. Exposure to other solvents and chemicals also occurred. An increased incidence of spontaneous abortions was reported.Animal information suggests that xylene is not teratogenic or embryotoxic at exposure levels that are not harmful to the mother.
Reproductive Effects: An increase in menstrual disorders has been reported in women exposed to organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes. It is not possible to attribute these effects to xylenes in particular.
Mutagenicity: Xylene does not appear to be a mutagen.
Neurotoxicity: Xylene may be ototoxic (damages hearing or enhances sensitivity to noise) in chronic occupational exposures, probably from a neurotoxic mechanism.
Other Studies:

Section 12 - Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Fish: Rainbow trout: LC50 = 13.5 mg/L; 96 Hr; UnspecifiedFish: Goldfish: LD50 = 13 mg/L; 24 Hr; UnspecifiedFish: Fathead Minnow: LC50 = 46 mg/L; 1 Hr; Static bioassay Acute and long-term toxicity to fish and invertebrates: LD50 for goldfish is 13 mg/L/24 Hr.Cas#1330-20-7:LC50(96Hr.) rainbow trout = 8.05 mg/L, Static condition;LC50(96Hr.) fathead minnow = 16.1 mg/L, flow-through conditions; LC50(96Hr.) bluegill = 16.1 mg/L, flow-through;EC50 (48 Hr.) water flea = 3.82 mg/L, flow-through conditions;EC50(24 Hr.) photobacterium phosphoreum = 0.0084 mg/L, Microtox test.
Environmental: In air, xylenes degrade by reacting with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals. In soil it will volatilize and leach into groundwater. Little bioconcentration is expected.
Physical: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere, xylene, which has an experimental vapor pressure of 7.99 mm Hg at 25 deg C, will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase xylene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the atmospheric lifetime of xylene is about 14-26 hours. Ambient levels of xylene are detected in the atmosphere due to large emissions of this compound.
Other: No information available.

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a hazardous waste. US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in 40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally, waste generators must consult state and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and accurate classification.
RCRA P-Series: None listed.
RCRA U-Series: None listed.

Section 14 - Transport Information

	US DOT	Canada TDG
Shipping Name:	XYLENES	XYLENES
Hazard Class:	3	3
UN Number:	UN1307	UN1307
Packing Group:	III	III

Section 15 - Regulatory Information

US FEDERAL

TSCA
     CAS# 108-38-3 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
Health & Safety Reporting List
     CAS# 108-38-3: Effective 10/4/82, Sunset 10/4/92
Chemical Test Rules
     None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule.
Section 12b
     None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.
TSCA Significant New Use Rule
     None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.
CERCLA Hazardous Substances and corresponding RQs
     CAS# 108-38-3: 1000 lb final RQ; 454 kg final RQ
SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances
     None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.
SARA Codes
     CAS # 108-38-3: immediate, delayed, fire.
Section 313
     This material contains m-Xylene (CAS# 108-38-3, > 99%),which is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of SARA Title III and 40 CFR Part 373.
Clean Air Act:
     CAS# 108-38-3 is listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP).
     This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors.
     This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.
Clean Water Act:
CAS# 108-38-3 is listed as a Hazardous Substance under the CWA.
     None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Priority Pollutants under the CWA.
     None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Toxic Pollutants under the CWA.
OSHA:
     None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous by OSHA.
STATE
     CAS# 108-38-3 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, (listed as Xylenes (o-, m-, p- isomers)), Massachusetts.

California Prop 65

California No Significant Risk Level: None of the chemicals in this product are listed.

European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols:
     XN
Risk Phrases:
     R 10 Flammable.
     R 20/21 Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin.
     R 36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin.

Safety Phrases:
     S 25 Avoid contact with eyes.

WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
     CAS# 108-38-3: No information available.
Canada - DSL/NDSL
     CAS# 108-38-3 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
Canada - WHMIS
     This product has a WHMIS classification of B2, D2B.
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations and the MSDS contains all of the information required by those regulations.
Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List
     CAS# 108-38-3 is listed on the Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List.

Section 16 - Additional Information

MSDS Creation Date: 12/09/1997
Revision #13 Date: 7/30/2008

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. In no event shall Fisher be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if Fisher has been advised of the possibility of such damages.