How harmful is xylene?

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. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

How much xylene is toxic?

Most exposures to xylene occur by inhalation and xylene is readily absorbed from the lungs. Xylene's odor threshold is about 1 ppm, which is 100 times less than the OSHA PEL and generally provides adequate warning of acutely hazardous concentrations. Irritation of eye and throat occur at about 200 ppm.

Is xylene harmful to breathe?

Xylene can also be absorbed into the body following inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. This can cause headaches, dizziness, vertigo and drowsiness. If larger amounts of xylene are absorbed this can result in breathing problems, damage to the liver and kidneys, cause a loss of consciousness, heart failure and death.

How can I safely use xylene?

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with xylene? Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary. Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots.

Is xylene cancerous?

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.

Effects of Xylene

How do you neutralize xylene?

Submerge the xylene-coated object in the water, and allow it to boil for as long as possible, at least one hour and up to four hours. Allow the object to air dry overnight in a warm area. The hot water followed by exposure to warm air will help to eliminate xylene from the surface.

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.

Is xylene more toxic than acetone?

Xylene is an organic compound having the chemical formula (CH₃)₂C₆H₄ while Acetone is an organic compound having the chemical formula (CH₃)₂CO. 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.

Is xylene and paint thinner the same?

Is xylene the same as thinner? Due to extended drying times, Xylene is an effective thinner in specialty oil-based paint, epoxy, varnish, synthetic enamels, and adhesive when the desire is to create hard, protective, and glossy finishes. Xylene can also remove certain adhesives.

What is xylene poisoning?

Toluene and xylene are strong compounds that are used in many household and industrial products. Toluene and xylene poisoning can occur when someone swallows these substances, breathes in their fumes, or when these substances touch the skin. This article is for information only.

Does xylene remove nail polish?

Acetone and xylene also both work well as solvents to remove lacquers and paints. Acetone is a smaller molecule than xylene and it contains an oxygen atom in the molecular structure. Xylene has a sweet smell and is toxic to humans.

What is the strongest solvent?

As per the general information floating around in the web and the details given in some of the books water is the strongest solvent amongst others. It is also sometimes called the “universal solvent” as it can basically dissolve most of the substances than any other liquid. Water is a good solvent due to its polarity.

Can you use xylene to clean aluminum?

Xylene is not corrosive to aluminum. Ed S.

What can xylene dissolve?

Xylene can dissolve hydrocarbons and many water-insoluble compounds.

Is xylene toxic to dogs?

These simple compounds can be poisonous to dogs if consumed, namely the refined petroleum products. Refined petroleum products are the aliphatic hydrocarbons which include butane, gasoline, methane, and propane, and aromatic hydrocarbons which include xylene, toluene, and benzene.

Is xylene bad for the environment?

Since xylene evaporates easily, most xylene that gets into soil and water (if not trapped underground) is expected to go into the air where it is broken down by sunlight into other less harmful chemicals within a couple of days.

What chemicals cause multiple myeloma?

People who have been exposed to radiation or to asbestos, benzene, pesticides, and other chemicals used in rubber manufacturing may be at higher risk for developing myeloma. People often exposed to wood products, such as carpenters, furniture makers, and paper makers, are also at higher risk.

What is carcinogenic effect?

Carcinogens may increase the risk of cancer by altering cellular metabolism or damaging DNA directly in cells, which interferes with biological processes, and induces the uncontrolled, malignant division, ultimately leading to the formation of tumors.

Is toluene a known carcinogen?

Studies in workers and animals exposed to toluene generally indicate that toluene is not carcinogenic (cancer-causing). The International Agency for Research on Cancer determined that toluene is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity in humans (Group 3).

Does xylene evaporate completely?

Xylene evaporates quickly, meaning that most xylene that gets into soil or water is released into the air and broken down by sunlight and less harmful chemicals within a couple of days. However, if xylene make its way down into underground water, it may remain for several months before being broken down.

Is xylene safe for concrete?

If enough is applied, the xylene should melt the sealer through to the surface of the concrete before it evaporates. In conclusion, applying xylene is a great, inexpensive way to rejuvenate dull or whitened sealer. However, be cautious when using it. The fumes can ignite, and any solvent can be harmful to your health.

How long does xylene take to dry?

The Xylene needs to be completely removed before applying more sealer. If you only used a light small amount then it may evaporate completely. Otherwise, you need to allow it to dry for 24 hours and then gently wash the xylene off with clean water and allow to completely dry prior to applying more sealer.

Is xylene a good degreaser?

When handled safely and in a well-ventilated area, xylene can be a very effective paint remover. Degreasing. For metal and concrete surfaces, degreasing can be especially challenging. The nature of xylene is such that degreasing can be done both safely and effectively.

What is the strongest thinner?

Both acetone and MEK are very strong (high solvent strength) and fast evaporating solvents. Acetone evaporates faster than MEK and, in fact, is the fastest evaporating of all the solvents commonly available to consumers. It is used in many industries as a cleaner and degreaser.