Information Regarding Xylene and Adhesive
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~J9kyc0:1
XYLENE
CASRN: 1330-20-7
Major Uses :
Manufacture of resins, paints, varnishes,
general solvent for adhesives
Major Uses :
SOLVENT-EG, FOR PAINTS, COATINGS, ADHESIVES
& RUBBER
Major Uses :
Used as an indirect food additive for use only
as a component of adhesives.
Hazards Summary :
The major hazards encountered in the use and
handling of xylene stem from its toxicologic properties
and flammability. Exposure to this clear, sweet-smelling liquid may occur during
its use as a solvent for paints, coatings, adhesives,
and rubber and as a component of gasoline. Toxic by all routes of exposure (ie,
dermal, ingestion, and inhalation), xylene can cause
effects including headache, dizziness, skin and eye irritation, kidney and liver
impairment, to pulmonary edema, coma, and death. The ACGIH recommends a
workplace exposure limit (TLV) of 100 ppm as an 8-hr time-weighted average (TWA);
however, to assure protection, wear Buna-N-rubber gloves, apron, and safety
glasses. In unknown concentrations or emergency situations, an approved organic
vapor cannister respirator with a full-face plate or self-contained breathing
apparatus and full protective clothing are recommended. If contact does occur,
immediately flush exposed eyes with running water, wash exposed skin with soap
and water, and remove contaminated clothing. Xylene is
ignitable by heat, sparks, and flame and may do so explosively in an enclosed
area. Also, vapor may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition,
and flash back. The heat of a fire may cause containers to explode and/or cause
thermal degradation of xylene, producing irritating or
poisonous gases. Fires involving xylene may be
extinguished with dry chemical, CO2, water spray, fog, or foam. For massive
fires in enclosed areas, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. If a xylene
tank car or truck is involved in a fire, isolate 1/2 mile in all directions.
Runoff from fire control water may cause pollution, and upon entering a sewer,
may create an explosion hazard. Xylene substance should
be stored in cool, well-ventilated places, away from sources of ignition and
strong oxidizing materials. ... For small spills of xylene,
take up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent, and place in containers
for later disposal, or absorb on paper and evaporate in an appropriate exhaust
hood. For large spills on land, dike to contain or divert to impermeable holding
area (water spray may need to be applied to control flammable vapor) and remove
material with pumps or vacuum equipment. Absorb residual with sand, vermiculite,
or activated carbon and place in metal containers with covers. For large spills
on water, contain material with booms, weirs, or natural barriers. Apply a
universal gelling agent, and use (oil) skimming equipment or suction hoses to
remove slick and trapped, solidified mass. Prior to implementing land disposal
of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult environmental regulatory
agencies.
Analytic Laboratory Methods :
Commercial heterogeneous solvent products (eg
paints, inks, and adhesives) were collected nationwide
in Japan in 1980. The vapor phase of the product containers were analyzed for
volatile organic solvent constituents by means of FID-gas chromatography on two
FS-WCOT (OV-101 and PEG-600) capillary columns. ... Organic solvent components
identified, ... /included/ xylenes /which were/ predominantly the m- (66%) and
p- isomers. (61%)
GLCC
RELATED TOXIC SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE CAMP POND AND CAMP WATER WELL 2003 AND
2004
GREAT LAKES CHEMICAL CORPORATION AND THE PATHFINDERS CAMP