NIOSH logo and tagline

m-Xylene

Synonyms & Trade Names
1,3-Dimethylbenzene, meta-Xylene, m-Xylol
CAS No.
108-38-3
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
1307 130
Formula
C₆H₄(CH₃)₂
Conversion
1 ppm = 4.34 mg/m3
IDLH
900 ppm
See: 95476
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 100 ppm (435 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (655 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm (435 mg/m3) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1501 , 3800;
OSHA 1002
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.
Molecular Weight
106.2
Boiling Point
282°F
Freezing Point
-54°F
Solubility
Slight
Vapor Pressure
9 mmHg
Ionization Potential
8.56 eV
Specific Gravity
0.86
Flash Point
82°F
Upper Explosive Limit
7.0%
Lower Explosive Limit
1.1%
Class IC Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 73°F and below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; dizziness, excitement, drowsiness, incoordination, staggering gait; corneal vacuolization; anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; dermatitis
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, blood, liver, kidneys
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 900 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0085
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019