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TOLUENE
ICSC: 0078
Peer-Review Status: 10.10.2002 Validated
Methylbenzene
Toluol
Phenylmethane 
CAS #: 108-88-3 RTECS #: XS5250000
UN #: 1294
EC #: 601-021-00-3
EINECS #: 203-625-9
 		    Formula: C6H5CH3 / C7H8
Molecular mass: 92.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Use 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. Unconciousness.  Use 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.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
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
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit and self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-38-48/20-63-65-67; S: (2)-36/37-46-62 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1294.
NFPA Code: H2; F3; R0.  		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

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

Chemical dangers
Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 50ppm as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 50 ppm, 190 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(4); Pregnancy risk group: C; Skin absorption (H); (DFG 2004).
EU OEL ( selected): 50 ppm, 192 mg/m³ as TWA; 100 ppm as STEL;. 

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 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 could cause 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 increase noise-induced hearing loss. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
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   		The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
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 2004.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Toluene (EHC 52, 1986)
       Toluene (WHO Food Additives Series 16)
       TOLUENE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Toluene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)