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Xylenes

CASRN 1330-20-7

Physical Properties

There are three forms or isomers of xylene, meta-xylene, ortho-xylene, and para-xylene. All three are found in commercially available xylene. Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. Xylene evaporates into air very quickly and does not dissolve readily in water. Most people begin to smell xylene in air at 0.08–3.7 parts of xylene per million parts of air (parts per million or ppm) and in water at 0.53–1.1 ppm.

Uses

Xylene is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States by production volume. It is primarily used as a solvent (a liquid that dissolves other substances) in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. Along with other solvents, xylene is also widely used as a cleaning agent, a thinner for paint, and in varnishes. It is also used in the chemical, plastics, and synthetic fiber industries. Xylene is also present in small amounts in gasoline and airplane fuel.

Sources of Exposure in Iowa

Xylene is primarily released from industrial sources, in automobile exhaust, and during its use as a solvent. The most likely source of exposure is by breathing it in contaminated air. Small amounts of xylene can be present in private and public water supplies, resulting from leaking underground storage tanks that contained petroleum products. People who work in industries that use xylene have the greatest potential for exposure.

Health Effects from Large Acute Exposures

Short-term exposure of people to high levels of xylene can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat; difficulty in breathing; impaired function of the lungs; delayed response to a visual stimulus; impaired memory; stomach discomfort; and possible changes in the liver and kidneys. Exposure to high concentrations of xylene can also cause a number of effects on the nervous system, such as headaches, lack of muscle coordination, dizziness, confusion, and changes in one's sense of balance. Exposure to very large amounts of xylene can cause dealth. In most cases, these effects stop when exposure stops and fresh air is available.

Health Effects from Smaller Chronic Exposures

There is very little information on the effects of long-term or chronic exposure to smaller amounts of xylene. Some of the health impacts that have been observed are nose, throat, and eye irritation; increase prevalence of nausea and loss of appetite; and increased prevalence of anxiety, forgetfulness, and inability to concentrate. Xylene has not been classified for carcinogenic effects.

Protection from Exposure

A person who works in an industry that uses xylene should work in a well-ventilated area, or use respiratory protection when necessary. Good ventilation and proper respiratory protection is also recommended for individuals who use xylene or other solvents at home.