ICSC 0078 - TOLUENE

TOLUENE	ICSC: 0078 (October 2002)
Methylbenzene Toluol Phenylmethane

CAS #: 108-88-3

UN #: 1294

EC Number: 203-625-9

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. 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.	Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.	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	CLASSIFICATION & 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.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.
PACKAGING

TOLUENE

ICSC: 0078

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
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.	Formula: C₆H₅CH₃ / C₇H₈ Molecular mass: 92.1 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

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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.

Formula: C₆H₅CH₃ / C₇H₈
Molecular mass: 92.1
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

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. 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.	Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. 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.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

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.

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. 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.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 20 ppm as TWA; (OTO); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued. MAK: 190 mg/m³, 50 ppm; peak limitation category: II(2); skin absorption (H); pregnancy risk group: C. EU-OEL: 192 mg/m³, 50 ppm as TWA; 384 mg/m³, 100 ppm as STEL; (skin)

ENVIRONMENT
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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-38-48/20-63-65-67; S: (2)-36/37-46-62

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Toluene (EHC 52, 1986)
       Toluene (WHO Food Additives Series 16)
       TOLUENE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Toluene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)