P-XYLENE - C6H4 (CH3) 2 - PubChem

2017610 PXYLENE|C6H4(CH3)2PubChem

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Compound Summary for CID 7809
PXYLENE Cite this Record

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PubChem CID: 7809

PXYLENE; 1,4Dimethylbenzene; ParaXylene; 1,4Xylene; PMethyltoluene; P
Chemical Names:
Dimethylbenzene More...
Molecular Formula: C6H4CH32 or C8H10

Molecular Weight: 106.168 g/mol
InChI Key: URLKBWYHVLBVBOUHFFFAOYSAN
Substance Registry: FDA UNII
Safety Summary: Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary LCSS
pXylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon based on benzene with two methyl substituents with the chemical formula C8H10
or C6H4CH32. The p stands for para, identifying the location of the methyl groups as across from one another.
Metabolite Description from Human Metabolome Database
Pxylene is a colorless watery liquid with a sweet odor. Less dense than water. Insoluble in water. Irritating vapor.
Freezing point is 56F. USCG, 1999
Physical Description from CAMEO Chemicals
PUBCHEM COMPOUND PXYLENE Create Date: 20050326
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/pxylene 1/101
Contents
1 2D Structure
2 3D Conformer
3 Names and Identifiers
4 Chemical and Physical Properties
5 Related Records
6 Chemical Vendors
7 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
8 Use and Manufacturing
9 Identification
10 Safety and Hazards
11 Toxicity
12 Literature
13 Patents
14 Biomolecular Interactions and Pathways
15 Biological Test Results
16 Classification
17 Information Sources
1 2D Structure
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from PubChem
2 3D Conformer
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from PubChem
3 Names and Identifiers
3.1 Computed Descriptors
3.1.1 IUPAC Name
1,4xylene
from PubChem
3.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C8H10/c173582647/h36H,12H3
from PubChem
3.1.3 InChI Key
URLKBWYHVLBVBOUHFFFAOYSAN
from PubChem
3.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CC1=CC=CC=C1C
from PubChem
3.2 Molecular Formula

C6H4CH32
from ILOICSC
C8H10
from ILOICSC, OSHA Occupational Chemical DB, PubChem
3.3 Other Identifiers
3.3.1 CAS
106423
from CAMEO Chemicals, ChemIDplus, EPA Chemicals under the TSCA, EPA DSStox, European Chemicals Age
68411392
from ChemIDplus
68650362
from ChemIDplus, EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
3.3.2 EC Number
2033965
from European Chemicals Agency ECHA
3.3.3 ICSC Number
0086
from ILOICSC
3.3.4 RTECS Number
ZE2625000
from ILOICSC, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH
3.3.5 UN Number
1307
from CAMEO Chemicals, ILOICSC, NJDOH RTK Hazardous Substance List, OSHA Occupational Chemical DB
3.3.6 UNII
6WAC1O477V
from FDA/SPL Indexing Data
3.3.7 Wikipedia
Title pxylene
Description chemical compound
from Wikipedia
3.4 Synonyms
3.4.1 MeSH Synonyms
1. 4xylene
2. pxylene
3. pxylol
4. paraxylene
5. paraxylene
from MeSH
3.4.2 DepositorSupplied Synonyms
1. PXYLENE 11. Chromar 21. HSDB 136 31. Solvent xylen

2. 1,4Dimethylbenzene 12. 4Methyltoluene 22. EINECS 2033965 32. pXylenes
3. ParaXylene 13. Scintillar 23. CHEMBL31561 33. PXY
4. 1,4Xylene 14. Xylene, p 24. AI352255 34. Xylene,cokin
5. pMethyltoluene 15. 1,4Dimethylbenzol 25. CHEBI:27417 35. Benzene, 1,4
6. pDimethylbenzene 16. Benzene, pdimethyl 26. URLKBWYHVLBVBOUHFFFAOYSAN 36. 1,4dimethyl
7. pXylol 17. Xylene, pisomer 27. 1,4Dimethylcyclohexane, mixture of cis and trans 37. Aromatic hyd
8. 106423 18. UNII6WAC1O477V 28. MFCD00008556 38. ACMC1BRO
9. Benzene, 1,4dimethyl 19. NSC 72419 29. pXylene13C8 39. AC1L1PLL
10. 4Xylene 20. CCRIS 910 30. paraxylene 40. AC1Q2QRE
from PubChem
4 Chemical and Physical Properties
4.1 Computed Properties
Property Name Property Value
Molecular Weight 106.168 g/mol
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count 0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count 0
Rotatable Bond Count 0
Complexity 48.4
AAADccBwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwAA
AAAAAAAAABAAAAGAAAAAAADACAGAAyAIAAAACAAi
CACTVS Substructure Key Fingerprint
BCAAACAAAgAAAIiAAAAIgIICKAERCAIAAggAAIiAcAgA
AOQAAAAAAAAACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Topological Polar Surface Area 0 A^2
Monoisotopic Mass 106.078 g/mol
Exact Mass 106.078 g/mol
XLogP3 3.2
Compound Is Canonicalized true
Formal Charge 0
Heavy Atom Count 8
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count 0
Isotope Atom Count 0
CovalentlyBonded Unit Count 1
from PubChem
4.2 Experimental Properties
4.2.1 Physical Description
Pxylene is a colorless watery liquid with a sweet odor. Less dense than water. Insoluble in water. Irritating vapor.
Freezing point is 56F. USCG, 1999
from CAMEO Chemicals
Liquid
from EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.
from ILOICSC
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.

from OSHA Occupational Chemical DB
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. [Note: A solid below 56F.]

from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH
4.2.2 Color
Colorless plates or prisms at low temp

O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of
Chemistry, 2013., p. 1876
from HSDB
Colorless liquid [Note: A solid below 56 degrees F]

NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010168 (2010). Available from:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
from HSDB
Color: Saybolt units +30 research, pure & technical grades

Flick, E.W. Industrial Solvents Handbook. 3rd ed. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Publications, 1985., p. 49
from HSDB
4.2.3 Odor
Sweet
NOAA; CAMEO Chemicals. Database of Hazardous Materials. pXylene (106423). Natl Ocean Atmos Admin, Off Resp Rest; NOAA
Ocean Serv. Available from, as of June 27, 2016: http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/
from HSDB
Aromatic odor
from HSDB
Characteristic odor
CDC; International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) 2012. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Prevention & Control. National Institute for
Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Ed Info Div. Available from, as of June 27, 2016: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/
from HSDB
4.2.4 Boiling Point
280.9 F at 760 mm Hg NTP, 1992

138.3 deg C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 20142015, p. 3550
from HSDB
138C
from ILOICSC
281F
from OSHA Occupational Chemical DB, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH
4.2.5 Melting Point
55.9 F NTP, 1992

13.3 deg C
from HSDB
13C
from ILOICSC
FRZ: 56F
56F
4.2.6 Flash Point
81 F NTP, 1992
25.0 deg C 77.0 deg F closed cup

SigmaAldrich; Safety Data Sheet for pXylene. Product Number: 95680, Version 3.9 (Revision Date 05/23/2016). Available from, as
of July 1, 2016: http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safetycenter.html
from HSDB
77 deg F 25 deg C Closed cup

National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325117
from HSDB
27C c.c.
from ILOICSC
81F
4.2.7 Solubility
Insoluble. NTP, 1992

In water, 1.62X10+2 mg/L at 25 deg C

Sanemasa I et al; Bull Chem Soc Jpn 18: 1111230 (1982)
from HSDB
In water, 165 mg/L at 25 deg C average of 15 literature values ranging from 130215 mg/L at 25 deg C
Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 500
from HSDB
Miscible in alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene; soluble in chloroform

from HSDB
in water: none
from ILOICSC
0.02%
4.2.8 Density
0.861 at 68 F USCG, 1999

0.86104 at 20 deg C/4 deg C

from HSDB
water = 1: 0.86
from ILOICSC
0.86
4.2.9 Vapor Density
3.66 NTP, 1992 Relative to Air

3.66 Air = 1
from HSDB
air = 1: 3.7
from ILOICSC
4.2.10 Vapor Pressure
10 mm Hg at 81.1 F NTP, 1992

8.84 mm Hg at 25 deg C
Chao J et al; J Phys Chem Ref Data 12: 103366 (1983)
from HSDB
Vapour pressure
kPa at 20C: 0.9
from ILOICSC
9 mmHg
4.2.11 LogP
log Kow = 3.15

Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American
Chemical Society., 1995., p. 43
from HSDB
3.15
from ILOICSC
4.2.12 Stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.

from HSDB
4.2.13 AutoIgnition
984 F USCG, 1999

984 deg F 528 deg C

from HSDB
528C
from ILOICSC
4.2.14 Decomposition
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. WileyInterscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken,
NJ. 2004., p. 3703
from HSDB
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions Carbon oxides.

from HSDB
4.2.15 Viscosity
0.603 mPa.s at 25 deg C

from HSDB
4.2.16 Corrosivity
No reaction with common materials

from HSDB
4.2.17 Heat of Combustion
17,559 Btu/lb = 9754.7 cal/g = 408.41X10+5 J/kg

from HSDB
4.2.18 Heat of Vaporization
42.40 kJ/mol at 35 deg C; 35.67 kJ/mol at 138.23 deg C

from HSDB
4.2.19 Surface Tension
28.01 dynes/cm at 25 deg C

from HSDB
4.2.20 Ionization Potential
8.44 eV
4.2.21 Odor Threshold

Detection in air at 0.05 ppm.

U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government
Printing Office, 19845.
from HSDB
4.2.22 Relative Evaporation Rate
Evaporation rate: 9.9 ether= 1

Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York:
John Wiley Sons, 19811982., p. 3291
from HSDB
4.2.23 Kovats Retention Index
862, 855, 860.4, 847, 863, 849.3, 852, 856.3, 879.49, 845.7, 851.3, 855.5, 855.4, 854,
853.96, 854.41, 855, 854.75, 854.85, 855, 875, 855.12, 854.3, 856, 859.7, 853.7,
855.9, 859.8, 861.8, 864.7, 860.8, 866.94, 842, 851.35, 854.04, 855.8, 862, 863, 864,
865, 867, 871, 853, 848.4, 850.5, 852.1, 852.3, 855.2, 856.7, 859, 863, 874.28, 857.7,
867.5, 866, 876, 876, 876, 863.3, 871.2, 856.9, 857, 857.1, 857.4, 857.6, 859, 857,
857, 867, 867, 856, 866.8, 871.3, 865.3, 865.8, 866.2, 866.7, 866, 866, 854.2, 859,
866, 879, 881, 871, 866, 866, 866, 866, 863, 880, 863, 866, 866, 868, 868, 857.1,
Standard nonpolar 857.6, 860.8, 868, 864, 876, 868, 872, 878, 853, 867.7, 872.5, 878.3, 859, 861, 863,
864, 860, 864, 864, 860.3, 882, 886, 857.8, 862, 858, 861, 853, 854, 853, 853, 872,
864, 856.2, 856, 852, 860, 861, 866, 855.6, 859.3, 866.5, 869.4, 856, 849, 848, 856.6,
848.46, 856.7, 857, 867, 864, 864.9, 857.41, 860, 857, 854.3, 862, 864.2, 864, 844,
863, 870, 863, 875, 861, 867, 855, 866, 863, 855, 854, 859, 866, 868, 870, 872, 860,
849, 852, 851, 870, 870, 848, 859, 853, 853, 865.6, 870.7, 871.3, 871.8, 847.7, 853.8,
854, 854.9, 855.1, 866, 860, 861, 852, 846, 853, 860, 851, 852, 858, 854, 857, 860,
854, 870, 839.1, 874, 870
870, 877, 874, 864, 875, 878, 884, 872, 884, 861.7, 864.4, 866.5, 877.8, 888, 869,
872, 884, 866, 865, 859, 873, 869.3, 861.7, 864.4, 866.5, 865, 863, 865.82, 868.78,
870.79, 883.2, 888.1, 847.6, 850.2, 852.7, 855.3, 857.8, 860.9, 863.5, 889.2, 860,
863, 849.1, 854, 861, 856, 848, 853.1, 890, 862, 865, 886, 848, 859, 862, 859, 861.2,
854.2, 858, 848.3, 853.4, 854.1, 854.6, 858.4, 858.6, 859, 859, 859.3, 861, 859,
861.2, 865, 861, 861, 855.73, 864, 868, 849, 854, 861.8, 863, 867, 868, 872, 875,
Semistandard nonpolar 850, 885, 908, 858.1, 861, 865.5, 858.1, 864.9, 894, 850, 855, 860, 884, 862, 870,
888, 894, 901, 907, 862, 865, 868, 867, 872, 881, 875, 899, 875, 875, 889, 870, 868,
872, 856, 874, 876, 866, 870.2, 884, 864, 869.3, 875, 875, 864, 870, 873.1, 867.8,
870.5, 884, 868, 864, 875, 884, 872, 888, 883, 878, 868, 872, 878.5, 865, 904, 873,
875.8, 865, 861, 868, 870.8, 861.9, 868, 853, 855, 849.3, 851.5, 854.7, 857.1, 859.1,
845, 848, 851, 853, 854, 856, 858, 860, 876, 864, 832, 850, 865, 890, 864, 874,
120.4, 120.4, 121.2, 136.39
1130, 1125, 1127, 1129, 1130, 1130, 1129, 1134, 1142, 1120, 1152, 1137, 1154.2,
1140, 1117, 1137, 1140, 1137, 1117, 1164, 1139, 1123, 1123, 1137, 1125, 1136,
1130, 1130, 1156, 1134, 1136, 1132, 1135, 1140, 1119, 1136, 1119, 1119, 1137,
1140, 1126, 1129, 1141.3, 1150.6, 1156.5, 1117, 1143.4, 1143.9, 1146, 1148.7,
1153.2, 1169.5, 1180.4, 1136, 1123, 1123, 1142, 1145, 1180, 1145.24, 1149.89,
1152.22, 1159.94, 1165, 1169.77, 1138.9, 1143, 1169.2, 1134.8, 1118.6, 1182, 1189,
Standard polar 1156, 1163, 1170, 1178, 1136, 1101, 1154, 1114, 1153, 1164, 1138, 1142, 1173,
1137, 1137, 1127, 1129, 1120, 1120, 1149, 1142, 1142, 1153, 1165, 1176, 1151.6,
1111, 1123, 1140, 1113, 1140, 1149, 1139, 1137.2, 1156.3, 1155, 1129, 1129, 1133,
1129, 1164, 1137, 1146, 1132.1, 1119, 1152.2, 1142, 1132, 1141, 1150, 1154, 1168,
1178, 1145, 1131, 1129.3, 1131.8, 1156.8, 1119, 1128.5, 1155, 1138, 1139, 1133,
1132, 1132, 1115, 1138, 1155, 1110, 1132, 1132, 1126, 1140, 1140, 1140, 1150,
1132.7
from NIST
4.3 Spectral Properties

Index of refraction: 1.49575 at 20 deg C/D
from HSDB
IR: 3575 Coblentz Society Spectral Collection

Lide, D.R., G.W.A. Milne (eds.). Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volume I. 3rd ed. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton ,FL. 1994., p.
V1: 869
from HSDB
UV: 609 Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection

V1: 869
from HSDB
1H NMR: 203 Varian Associates NMR Spectra Catalogue

V1: 869
from HSDB
Raman: 84 Dollish et al., Characteristic Raman Frequencies of Organic Compounds, John Wiley and Sons, New York
V1: 869
from HSDB
MASS: 49298 NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral Database, 1990 Version; 1330 Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley
& Sons, New York
V1: 869
from HSDB
Negligible absorption above 290 nm

Jori A et al; Ecotox Environ Saf 11:4480 (1986)
from HSDB
4.3.1 GCMS
1 of 7
NIST Number 228010
Library Main library
Total Peaks 56
m/z Top Peak 91
m/z 2nd Highest 106
m/z 3rd Highest 105

1 of 7
CLICK TO LOAD...
Thumbnail
from NIST
4.3.2 MSMS
1. MSMS Spectrum 61749

from Human Metabolome Database
4.3.3 EIMS
EIMS Spectrum 386

4.3.4 1D NMR
1. 1D NMR Spectrum 2088 JEOL 300 MHz 1H NMR

2. 1D NMR Spectrum 2782 Varian 25.16 MHz 13C NMR
5 Related Records
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from NCBI
5.1 Related Compounds with Annotation
CLICK TO LOAD...
from PubChem
5.2 Related Compounds
Same Connectivity 25 records
Same Parent, Connectivity 150 records
Same Parent, Exact 123 records
Mixtures, Components, and

619 records
Neutralized Forms
Similar Compounds 7434 records
Similar Conformers 15981 records
from PubChem
5.3 Substances
5.3.1 Related Substances
All 968 records
Same 145 records
Mixture 823 records
from PubChem
5.3.2 Substances by Category
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from PubChem
5.4 Entrez Crosslinks
PubMed 797 records
Protein Structures 4 records
Taxonomy 3 records
Gene 10 records
from PubChem
6 Chemical Vendors
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from PubChem
7 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
7.1 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

In rats and mice, m and pxylene are distributed primarily to lipidrich tissues, such as fat, blood, and brain and also
in organs highly perfused with blood such as kidney and liver. Small amounts of pxylene and oxylene cross the
placenta and distribute to amnionic fluid and fetal tissue. Oral administration of mxylene to rats led to distribution of
14Cmxylene in adipose tissue, approximately 0.3% of dose in female and 0.1% in males.
American Chemistry Council Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes VCCEP Consortium; Xylenes Category: mXylene (CAS No. 108383),
oXylene (CAS No. 95476), pXylene (CAS No. 106423), Mixed Xylenes (CAS No. 1330207) Voluntary Children's Chemical
Evaluation Program (VCCEP) Tier 1 Pilot Submission p 68. Docket Number OPPTS 00274D October 6, 2005. Available from, as of
October 15, 2008: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/vccep/pubs/chem12a.html
from HSDB
Humans exposed to 46 or 92 ppm of o, m, pxylene or a mixture 1:1:1 of the three for 8 hr absorbed approx 64%
of the inhaled xylene. No difference in the absorption rate was reported due to level of exposure, length of exposure,
or the type and/or mixture of the xylene isomers. The absorption of xylene appeared to vary among individuals due to
differences in ventilation rate. ... Individuals with an incr ventilation rate retained less xylene.
NCI; Monograph on Human Exposure to Chemicals in the Workplace: Xylene p.42 (July/1985)
from HSDB
In rats exposed to 208 mg/cu m methyl14C paraxylene for 1 hour, distribution of radioactivity immediately after
termination of the exposure was highest in the kidneys, followed by subcutaneous fat, ischiatic nerve, blood, liver and
lungs. Activity was 1/5 to 1/30 of these levels 6 hours after the end of exposure.
IARC. Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Geneva: World Health Organization,
International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972PRESENT. (Multivolume work). Available at:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php , p. V47 136 (1989)
from HSDB
Pregnant mice were exposed by inhalation to 14C paraxylene theoretical concentration, 2000 ppm 8680 mg/cu
m for 10 min on days 11, 14 or 17 of gestation, and distribution of the label was determined 0, 0.5, 1 and 4 hours
after exposure. The label quickly entered the embryo, but uptake was low relative to maternal tissues. All fetal activity
was extractable, indicating that no firmly bound metabolite was present.
from HSDB
Most of the xylene that is absorbed is excreted rapidly into the urine as metabolites. When rabbits were given oral
doses of up to 1.8 g each of the three isomers, separately, well over 50% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine
within 24 hours.
from HSDB
When 3 mmol/kg ortho, meta, or paraxylene were given intraperitoneally to rats, urinary excretion of
thiocompounds was highest with orthoxylene and much lower with metaxylene and paraxylene.
from HSDB
The distribution of xylene has been studied in male rats exposed to about 217 mg/cu m 50 ppm 14Clabelled p
xylene for 8 hr ... The highest concentrations were present in the kidneys up to about 1000 nmol/g tissue and
subcutaneous fat up to more than 250 nmol/g tissue. Higher concentrations than in blood were also found in the
ischiatic nerve. Lower concentrations than in blood were found in the cerebrum, cerebellum, muscle and spleen.
Elimination halftimes from fat were estimated to be 27 hr.
WHO/International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria 190, Xylenes (1997). Available from, as of
September 28, 2016: http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc190.htm
from HSDB
Autoradiography of male mice following 10 min inhalation of radioactively labelled pxylene revealed an
accumulation of nonvolatile metabolites in the nasal mucosa and the olfactory bulb of the brain. It was assumed that
the activity represented aromatic acids methyl hippuric acid and toluic acid ... The same technique has been used to
study distribution of radioactivity after exposure of pregnant mice to about 8700 mg/cu m 2000 ppm 14Clabelled
pxylene for 10 min ... High concentrations of xylene were recorded in the adult brain and lung with lesser amounts in
kidney and liver. At all stages of gestation studied days 11, 14, 17 pxylene appeared to pass immediately from dam
to embryo/fetus. The concentration in fetus, however, was low; 2% of that in maternal brain. Xylene was evenly
distributed in the fetus following exposure on day 11. After exposure on day 17 the xylene was located primarily in the
liver ...
from HSDB
The quantitative relationship between exposure to xylene vapor and urinary excretion in methylhippuric acid isomers
were studied in the second half of a working wk. The participants in the study were 121 male workers engaged in dip
coating of metal parts who were predominantly exposed to three xylene isomers. The intensity of exposure measured
by diffusive sampling during an 8hr shift was such that the geometric mean vapor concn was 3.8 ppm for xylenes 0.8
ppm for oxylene, 2.1 ppm for mxylene, and 0.9 ppm for pxylene, 0.8 ppm for toluene, and 0.9 ppm for
ethylbenzene. Urine samples were collected at the end of the shift and analyzed for metabolites by HPLC. The
statistical analysis showed that there is a linear relationship between the intensity of exposure to xylenes and the
concn of methylhippuric acid in urine, that the regression line passes very close to the origin, and that the increment
in observed i.e., noncorrected methylhippuric acid concentration as a function of increased xylene concentrationn
was 17.8 mg/ppm. Further exam on the basis on individual xylene isomers showed that the slopes of the regression
lines for o and misomers were similar i.e., 17.1 and 16.6 mg/L/ppm, respectively, whereas that for pxylene was
larger 21.3 mg/L/ppm. Abstract: PubMed
Kawai T et al; Int Arch Occup Environ Health 63 (1): 6976 (1991)
from HSDB
Pulmonary retention of mxylene /in humans/ became relatively constant at about 60% after the first 510 min of
exposure to 430 mg/cu m 100 ppm ... The determination was made by measurement of atmospheric and exhaled
concentrations. In a previous study ... a pulmonary retention of 6264% was reported for each xylene isomer at
exposure levels of 196391 mg/cu m 4590 ppm for up to 7 hr.
from HSDB
7.2 Metabolism/Metabolites
/When administered to rabbit, rat, and guinea pig/ pxylene was excreted as ptoluic acid derivative, but a 2,5
dimethylphenol glucuronide was also isolated ... .
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 19 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V4 264
from HSDB
Metab of pxylene 100 umol studied in isolated, perfused rabbit livers and lungs. Release of ptolualdehyde into
circulation did not occur in perfused rabbit livers. Ptoluric acid nptoluylglycine was major hepatic metabolite, with
smaller amt of toluic acid & pmethylbenzyl alcohol. Rabbit livers did not produce detectable amt of ptolualdehyde,
2,5dimethylphenol or any glucuronide conjugates. One major pulmonary metab was pmethylbenzyl alc.
Predominance of this metab reflects deficiency of lung tissue in alc dehydrogenase. Perfused lung also produced 2,5
dimethylphenol a derivative not produced in the liver. During pxylene metab in perfused lungs, derivatives which
became covalently bound to lung proteins were formed which suggests that pxylene metab might proceed at least
partially through reactive intermediates causing destruction of pulmonary cytochrome P450. Metab was also
characterized using reconstituted monooxygenase systems containing purified rabbit pulmonary lung cytochrome
P450 i & ii.
Smith BR et al; J Pharmacol Exp Ther 223 (3): 73642 (1982)
from HSDB
The involvement of sequential sidechain oxidn, sulfation, & glutathione conjugation in formation of mercapturic
acids from xylenes was investigated. The position of methyl groups attached to the aromatic nucleus affected
metabolism. Factors that are involved in high yield of mercapturic acids after admin of oxylene as compared to m
xylene & pxylene incl relatively low apparent affinity of omethylbenzyl alcohol for cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase,
the relatively high apparent affinity of omethylbenzyl alc for cytosolic sulfotransferase, & the high electrophilic
reactivity of the omethylbenzyl sulfate. Abstract: PubMed
Van Doorn R et al; J Appl Toxicol 1 (4): 23642 (1981)
from HSDB
Meta & para isomers are ... extensively oxidized to toluic acids about 90% of the dose, & these are conjugated
mostly with glycine. Hydroxylation to corresponding xylenols also occurs to a small extent.
Parke, D. V. The Biochemistry of Foreign Compounds. Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1968., p. 218
from HSDB
In rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits, all three isomers /ortho, meta, and paraxylene/ are oxidized on the methyl group
to form the corresponding toluic acid or on the ring to form phenols. There was no evidence that both methyl groups
were oxidized; unconjugated 3,5dimethylphenol and its glucuronide were isolated from urine. In rats exposed to
atmospheres of mxylene and ethylbenzene, methylhippuric acid, dimethylphenol, and methylbenzene alcohol were
identified in urine as metabolites of mxylene.
Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 2. Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic
Press, Inc., 1991., p. 644
from HSDB
Xylenes are metabolized primarily by oxidation to the methylbenzyl alcohols, followed by further oxidation to the
corresponding methylbenzoic acids toluic acids. These can be conjugated with glycine to form methylhippurates, or
with UDPglucuronate to form acyl glucuronides. ... Xylenes are metabolized in humans primarily to the corresponding
methylhippuric acid toluric acid; and glycine conjugation is considered to be a ratelimiting step. Only a small
portion is excreted as dimethylphenol: 2,3dimethylphenol and 3,4dimethylphenol after exposure to orthoxylene,
2,4dimethylphenol after exposure to metaxylene and 2,5dimethylphenol after exposure to paraxylene.
from HSDB
After inhalation exposure of mice to 14Cparaxylene, methylhippurate accumulated in nasal mucosa and the
olfactory bulb, possibly due to axonal flowmediated transport of the methylhippurate from the mucosa, where it is
formed, to the olfactory lobe of the brain.
from HSDB
All three isomers of xylene are primarily metabolized by oxidation of a methyl group and conjugation with glycine to
yield the methylhippuric acid. In humans exposed to xylene, >90% of the absorbed xylene is excreted in the urine as
the methylhippuric acid. Aromatic hydroxylation of xylene to xylenol occurs to only a limited extent in humans. Less
than 2% of an absorbed dose is excreted in the urine as xylenol. Other minor metabolites found in urine include
methylbenzyl alcohol and glucuronic acid conjugates of the oxidized xylene. Metabolism in animals is qualitatively
similar, but glucuronide conjugates make up a larger proportion of the urinary excretion products. In addition,
methylbenzaldehyde the product of the action of alcohol dehydrogenase on methylbenzyl alcohol has been
detected in animals, where it may exert toxic effects, but its presence has not been confirmed in humans.
DHHS ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes (Update) (PB2008100008) p.123 (August 2007). Available from, as of July 19, 2016:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp71.pdf
from HSDB
The biotransformation of xylene in humans proceeds primarily by the oxidation of a sidechain methyl group by
microsomal enzymes mixed function oxidases in the liver to yield toluic acids methylbenzoic acids. These toluic
acids conjugate with glycine to form toluric acids methylhippuric acids that are excreted into the urine ... . This
metabolic pathway accounts for almost all of the absorbed dose of xylene, regardless of the isomer, route of
administration, administered dose, or duration of exposure. Minor metabolic pathways that account for <10% of the
absorbed dose include the elimination of unchanged compound in the exhaled breath and in the urine, and the
urinary elimination of methylbenzyl alcohols, otoluylglucuronides otoluic acid glucuronide, xylene mercapturic acid
... , and xylenols dimethylphenols. ... The metabolism of xylene in animals is qualitatively similar to that of humans,
though quantitative differences do exist. ... The differences in xylene metabolism observed between humans and
animals may, in part, be explained by differences in the size of the doses given to humans and animals in
experimental studies...
DHHS ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes (Update) (PB2008100008) p.12933 (August 2007). Available from, as of July 19,
2016: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp71.pdf
from HSDB
Metabolism of xylenes by humans consists primarily of sidechain oxidation to form methylbenzoic acid ...
Methylbenzoic acid is conjugated principally with glycine and excreted in urine as methylhippuric acid. It has been
estimated that glycine conjugation would be saturated in humans exposed to about 1174 mg/cu m 270 ppm xylene
while working and to about 3393 mg/cu m 780 ppm while resting ... A small amount of the glucuronide ester of
methylbenzoic acid and trace levels of methylbenzyl alcohol have been detected in human urine ... Hydroxylation of
the aromatic ring with the formation of dimethylphenols seems to be a minor pathway in humans. The following
dimethylphenol isomers have been identified in human urine: 2,3 and 3,4dimethylphenol with oxylene, 2,4
dimethylphenol with mxylene and 2,5dimethylphenol with pxylene.
from HSDB
Most studies on metabolism of xylenes have been performed on rat. The principal pathway involves sidechain
oxidation to methylbenzoic acid via methylbenzyl alcohol and methylbenzyl aldehyde. Methylbenzoic acid is then
conjugated with glycine or glucuronic acid ... Conjugation with glycine to form methylhippuric acid predominates for
m and pxylene ... In the case of oxylene, glucuronide formation has been reported to predominate ... A separate
minor pathway resulting in urinary excretion of thioethers has been studied ... This pathway appears to be more
important for oxylene than for the other isomers. Hydroxylation of the aromatic ring with the formation of
dimethylphenols has been reported to be another minor metabolic pathway in rats ...
from HSDB
After an intraperitoneal injection of 87348 mg/kg body weight mxylene to rats, 5375% of the dose was excreted as
mmethylhippuric acid in urine during 24 hr. After an intraperitoneal dose of 319 mg/kg body weight the proportion
excreted as mercapturic acids was calculated to be 10% for oxylene and 0.61.3% for m and pxylene.
from HSDB
When volunteers were exposed to about 195 mg/cu m 45 ppm of o, m or pxylene for 8 hr, about 9599% of the
dose was excreted as methylhippuric acid in urine. Dimethylphenol excretion was estimated to be 0.1 to 2% of the
dose absorbed ... About 90% of the absorbed dose of mxylene was excreted as methylhippuric acid after exposure to
435 mg/cu m 100 ppm for 4 hr ... On the other hand, after exposure to 600 mg/cu m 138 ppm of oxylene, only
46% was excreted in urine as methylhippuric acid and only trace amounts of the omethylbenzoyl glucuronide were
detected.
from HSDB
The principal pathway in the rat for m and pxylene is the same as that in humans, sidechain oxidation and
conjugation with glycine and glucuronic acid. For oxylene, the glucuronide formation predominates and a small
amount of sulfate conjugate also is produced. Hydroxylation of the aromatic ring of xylenes is also a minor pathway in
the rat.
July 19, 2016: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/vccep/pubs/chem12a.html
from HSDB
7.3 Biological HalfLife

Elimination halftimes from fat were estimated to be 27 hr.
from HSDB
7.4 Human Metabolite Information
7.4.1 Metabolite Description
pXylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon based on benzene with two methyl substituents with the chemical formula
C8H10 or C6H4CH32. The p stands for para, identifying the location of the methyl groups as across from one
another.
7.4.2 Biofluid Locations
1. Feces
2. Saliva
7.4.3 Cellular Locations
Membrane predicted from logP

8 Use and Manufacturing
8.1 Uses
8.1.1 Industry Uses
1. Intermediates
2. Processing aids, not otherwise listed
8.1.2 Consumer Uses
Plastic and Rubber Products not covered elsewhere

8.2 Methods of Manufacturing

Low temperature fractional crystallization was the first and for many years the only commercial technique for
separating PX /4xylene/ from mixed xylenes. ... PX has a much higher freezing point than the other xylene isomers.
Thus, upon cooling, a pure solid phase of PX crystallizes first. Eventually, upon further cooling, a temperature is
reached where solid crystals of another isomer also form. This is called the eutectic point. PX crystals usually form at
about 4 deg C and the PXMX /4xylene3xylene/ eutectic is reached at about 68 deg C. In commercial practice, PX
crystallization is carried out at a temperature just above the eutectic point. At all temperatures above the eutectic
point, PX is still soluble in the remaining C8 aromatics liquid solution, called mother liquor. This limits the efficiency of
crystallization processes to a per pass PX recovery of about 6065%. The solid PX crystals are typically separated from
the mother liquor by filtration or centrifugation.
Cannella WJ; Xylenes and Ethylbenzene. KirkOthmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (19992016). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Online Posting Date: October 19, 2007
from HSDB
Currently about 60% of the pxylene produced worldwide is by adsorption technology. ... In this process, adsorbents
such as molecular sieves are used to produce high purity PX /4xylene/ by preferentially removing PX from mixed
xylene streams. Separation is accomplished by exploiting the differences in affinity of the adsorbent for PX, relative to
the other C8 isomers. The adsorbed PX is subsequently removed from the adsorbent by displacement with a
desorbent. Typical PX recovery per pass is over 95%, compared to only 6065% for crystallization. Thus recycle rates to
the separation and isomerization units are much smaller where adsorption is used.
Cannella WJ; Xylenes and Ethylbenzene. KirkOthmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (19992016). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Online Posting Date: October 19, 2007
from HSDB
Selective crystallization or solvent extraction of meta, paramixture; separation from mixedxylene feedstocks by
adsorption.
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 1336
from HSDB
Xylene is produced primarily by the catalytic reforming of naphtha streams, which are rich in alicyclic hydrocarbons.
The aromatic reformate fractions consist mainly of benzene, toluene and mixed xylenes, xylenes representing the
largest fraction. The xylene isomers are separated from the reformate by extraction and distillation on the basis of
differences in boiling point ... 4xylene is separated by continuous crystallization or adsorption from the mixed xylenes
or isomerized from the 3xylene/4xylene distillate; 3xylene is obtained by selective crystallization or solvent
extraction of metapara mixtures.
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php , p. V47 127
from HSDB
8.3 Formulations/Preparations
Research, 99.99%; Pure, 99.8%; Technical, 99.0%.
from HSDB
8.4 Consumption
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. Dimethyl terephthalate and terephthalic acid for saturated polyester production,
100% except negligible amounts used as solvents, coatings or pesticides 1985
Anonymous; Chemical Marketing Reporter, 1985
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. Dimethyl terephthalate and terephthalic acid for saturated polyester production,
100% except negligible amounts for use as solvents, coating or pesticides. This includes 75% for domestic
consumption and 25% for export.
Anonymous; Chemical Marketing Reporter, 230 (9): 54 (1986)
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Demand: 1985: 4.5 billion pounds; 1986: 4.7 billion pounds; 1990: 5.23 billion
pounds /projected/
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. Dimethyl terephthalate and terephthalic acid, 85%; exports, 15%. Domestically,
negligible amounts are used in solvents, coatings and pesticides.
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Demand: 1994: 6,000 million pounds; 1995: 6,250 million pounds; 1999: 7,500
million pounds /projected/
Anonymous; Chemical Marketing Reporter, 248 (8): (1995)
from HSDB
pounds /projected/
Anonymous; Chemical Market Reporter, 253 (19): 53 (1998)
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Demand: 1999: 6.480 billion pounds; 2000: 6.668 billion pounds; 2004: 7.652
billion pounds /projected/
Kirschner M; Chemical Market Reporter, 25 June 2001 (2001)
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. Enduse pattern for Paraxylene in 2001

End use Percent %
Terephthalic acid TPA 77
Dimethyl terephthalate DMT 20
Miscellaneous, including solvent use, diparaxylene and herbicides 3
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Demand: 2002: 6,560 million pounds; 2003: 7,035 million pounds; 2007: 7,500
million pounds, projected
Kirschner M; Chemical Market Reporter, 9 August 2004 (2004)
from HSDB

End use Percent %
from HSDB
pounds, projected
Kirschner M; ICIS Chemical Business Americas, 271 (24): 30 (2007); 18 June 2007
from HSDB

End use Percent %
from HSDB
8.5 U.S. Production

1976 1.32x10+12 g
USITC. Syn Org ChemU.S. Prod/Sales 1976
from HSDB
1977 1.44X10+12 G
SRI
from HSDB
1980 1.9X10+12 G
US INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION, WASH, DC 20436; SOC SERIES C/P821
from HSDB
1981 2.06x10+12 g
United States International Trade Commission. Synthetic Organic Chemicals United States Production and Sales, 1981. USITC
Publications 1291 Washington, DC: United States International Trade Commission, 1981.
from HSDB
1982 1.54X10+12 G
SRI
from HSDB
1985 2.17X10+12 g
USITC. SYN ORG CHEMU.S. PROD/SALES 1985 p.29
from HSDB
1993 1.45X10+9 kg
United States International Trade Commission. Synthetic Organic Chemicals United States Production and Sales, 1993. USITC
Publication 2810, Nov. 1994. Washington, D.C.
from HSDB
1990 5.20 billion lb

Chem & Engineering News 70 (15): 17 (4/13/92)
from HSDB

from HSDB

from HSDB

from HSDB
6.34 billion lb
from HSDB
1,4Dimethylbenzene is listed as a High Production Volume HPV chemical 65FR81686. Chemicals listed as HPV
were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the
1990 Inventory Update Rule. IUR 40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438.
EPA/Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics; High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program. Available from the Database
Query page at: http://www.epa.gov/hpv/pubs/general/opptsrch.htm on 1,4Dimethylbenzene (106423) as of October 7, 2008
from HSDB
Production volumes for nonconfidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule.
Year Production Range pounds
1986 >1 billion
1990 >1 billion
1994 >1 billion
1998 >1 billion
2002 >1 billion
US EPA; Nonconfidential Production Volume Information Submitted by Companies for Chemicals Under the 19862002 Inventory
Update Rule (IUR). 1,4Dimethylbenzene (106423). Available from, as of October 7, 2008:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/iur/tools/data/2002vol.html
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Production Capacity: 1995: 6,925 million pounds/year

from HSDB

from HSDB

from HSDB
PRODUCT PROFILE: Paraxylene. European Paraxylene Capacity 2003

Location Capacity
Belgium 420
France 135
Germany 320
Italy 290
Netherlands 500
Portugal 125
Spain 100
Turkey 120
UK 345
Bulgaria 15
Croatia 73
Poland 48
Romania 60
Russia 465
Slovakia 50
Anonymous. European Chemical News, 24 March 2003 (2003)
from HSDB

from HSDB
PRODUCT PROFILE: Paraxylene. Total production capacity in the /European Union/ is assessed ... at 735,000
tonne/year with 432,000 tonne/year in the rest of eastern Europe and 120,000 tonne/year in the eastern
Mediterranean area. Actual production in the /European Union/ countries reached 565,000 tonne in 2004 with a plant
utilization rate of 77%. Consumption in the region reached 695,000 tonne. In eastern Europe, output reached 211,000
tonne last year /2004/ with operating rates put at just 49%, while consumption totalled 119,000 tonne.
Anonymous; European Chemical News, 2 May 2005 (2005)
from HSDB

Location Capacity
Belgium 480
France 135
Germany 395
Italy 290
Netherlands 500
Portugal 125
Spain 100
Turkey 120
Belarus 45
Bulgaria 15
Poland 48
Romania 40
Russia 465
Slovakia 50
Anonymous; European Chemical News, 6 September 2004 (2004)
from HSDB
PRODUCT FOCUS: ParaXylene. Global Production Capacity for paraXylene in 2005

Region/country Capacity
North America
USA 4,690
Mexico 240
Canada 330
South America
Argentina 38
Brazil 230
Europe
Belgium 420
Germany 296
Israel 175
Italy 205
The Netherlands 500
Portugal 115
Russia 500
Spain 100
Turkey 135
Mideast
Iran 730
Saudi Arabia 1,195
Asia/Pacific
China 2,806
India 1,675
Indonesia 770
Japan 3,615
Korea 3,580
Malaysia 750
Singapore 700
Taiwan 1,210
Thailand 1,170
Anonymous; Chemical Week, April 20, 2005 (2005)
from HSDB

Location Capacity
Belgium 560
France 120
Germany 350
Italy 280
Netherlands 575
Portugal 140
Spain 100
Turkey 120
UK 365
Belarus 65
Poland 45
Russia 421
Anonymous; ICIS Chemical Business, 270 (8): (2006); 4 September 2006
from HSDB
PRODUCT FOCUS:ParaXylene. Global Production Capacity for paraXylene in 2007

Region/country Capacity
North America
USA 4,690
Mexico 480
Canada 330
South America
Argentina 38
Brazil 230
Europe
Belgium 560
Germany 445
Israel 160
Italy 205
The Netherlands 500
Portugal 115
Russia 500
Spain 100
Turkey 135
UK 350
Mideast
Iran 1,480
Saudi Arabia 820
Asia/Pacific
China 3,756
India 2,030
Indonesia 450
Japan 2,525
Korea 3,580
Malaysia 750
Singapore 700
Taiwan 1,900
Thailand 1,520
Anonymous; Chemical Week, March 21, 2007 (2007)
from HSDB

from HSDB
Nonconfidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting CDR information on the production and use of chemicals
manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: Benzene, 1,4dimethyl. National Production Volume:
7,725,905,453 lb/yr.
USEPA/Pollution Prevention and Toxics; 2012 Chemical Data Reporting Database. Benzene, 1,4dimethyl (106423). Available
from, as of June 29, 2016: http://java.epa.gov/oppt_chemical_search/
from HSDB
8.6 U.S. Imports

1978 9.53X10+9 G
SRI
from HSDB
1983 3.18X10+10 G
SRI
from HSDB
1985 6.53X10+10 g
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL IMPORTS 1985 p.1547
from HSDB
1986 3.71X10+7 gal

BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. US IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL IMPORTS 1986 p.1493
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Imports: 1994: 30 million pounds

from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Imports: 1997: 513 million pounds

from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Imports: 1999: 29 million pounds; 2000: 90 million pounds
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Imports: 2002: 3,266 million pounds; 2003: 3,099 million pounds
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Imports: 2005: 2.386 billion pounds; 2006: 2.482 billion pounds
from HSDB
8.7 U.S. Exports

19.7% of total 1980 xylene market.
Kavaler. Chem Market Reporter 1981
from HSDB
1978 3.19X10+11 G
SRI
from HSDB
1983 3.23X10+11 G
SRI
from HSDB
1985 5.03X10+11 g
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. EXPORTS, SCHEDULE E, 1985 p.269
from HSDB
1987 9.68X10+7 gal

BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. EXPORTS, SCHEDULE E, OCTOBER 1987, p.271
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Exports: 1994: 640 million pounds

Kavaler AR; Chemical Marketing Reporter, 248 (8): (1995)
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Exports: 1997: 1.59 billion pounds

from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Exports: 1999: 1.454 billion pounds; 2000: 2.246 billion pounds
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Exports: 2002: 2,551 million pounds; 2003: 3,873 million pounds
from HSDB
CHEMICAL PROFILE: Paraxylene. US Exports: 2005: 2.822 billion pounds; 2006: 2.023 billion pounds
from HSDB
9 Identification
9.1 Analytic Laboratory Methods

We demonstrate a hybrid ZnO nanoparticle decorated SWNT network device that can conductometrically differentiate
between xylene isomers at room temperature with minimal interference from background VOCs. Field effect transistor
measurements are conducted to identify the sensing mechanism which is attributed to enhanced SWNT transduction
of chemical interaction with ZnO surfaces. Abstract: PubMed
Hernandez SC et al; Analyst 137 (11): 254952 (2012)
from HSDB
The aim of this work was to determine the level of benzene, toluene, oxylene and m, pxylene BTX in air samples
collected from the cabins of new and used vehicles of the same model. Ten new vehicles were examined in order to
check interior emission from materials used to equip the passenger compartment. In order to compare and define the
impact of exhaust gases, air samples were also collected from two used cars, at different mileages up to 20,000 km.
All vehicles tested were of the same type. Samples were collected onto Carbograph 1TD sorbent, thermally desorbed
and examined with the use of gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectrometry detectors. All results
obtained were referred to Polish and German requirements for indoor air quality both in public buildings and in
workspace environments. Average benzene, toluene, oxylene and m, pxylene concentrations in new cars were
determined at the level of 11.8 ug/cu m, 82.7 ug/cu m, 21.2 ug/cu m and 89.5 ug/cu m, respectively. In the used cars,
BTX concentration increased with increasing vehicle mileage. The most significant increase of BTX concentration was
observed above 11,000 km mileage. Abstract: PubMed
Faber J et al; J Environ Sci (China) 25 (11): 232430 (2013)
from HSDB
Method: OSHA 1002; Procedure: gas chromatography with flame ionization detection; Analyte: pxylene; Matrix: air;
Detection Limit: 14.0 pg/sample.
U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Index of Sampling and Analytical Methods. pXylene
(106423). Available from, as of June 29, 2016: http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/toc.html
from HSDB
Method: NIOSH 3800, Issue 2; Procedure: extractive fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometry; Analyte: 4xylene;
Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 1.17 ppm 10 m absorption path length.
CDC; NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 5th ed. 4Xylene (106423). Available from, as of June 29, 2016:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/
from HSDB
Method: ASTM D5790; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix: treated drinking
water, wastewater, and ground water; Detection Limit: 0.48 ug/L.
National Environmental Methods Index; Analytical, Test and Sampling Methods. 4Xylene (106423). Available from, as of June 29,
2016: http://www.nemi.gov
from HSDB
Method: EPANERL 502.2; Procedure: gas chromatography with photoionization and electrolytic conductivity
detectors; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix: finished drinking water, raw source water, or drinking water in any treatment
stage; Detection Limit: 0.01 ug/L.
from HSDB
Method: EPANERL 524.2; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix: surface
water, ground water, and drinking water in any stage of treatment; Detection Limit: 0.06 ug/L.
from HSDB
Method: EPAOGWDW/TSC 524.3; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix:
finished drinking waters; Detection Limit: 0.02 ug/L.
from HSDB
Method: EPARCA 5030C; Procedure: purge and trap; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix: water; Detection Limit: not provided.
from HSDB
Method: EPARCA 8021B; Procedure: gas chromatography with electrolytic conductivity detector; Analyte: 4xylene;
Matrix: ground water, aqueous sludges, caustic liquors, waste solvents, oily wastes, mousses, tars, fibrous wastes,
polymeric emulsions, filter cakes, spent carbons, spent catalysts, soils, and sediments; Detection Limit: not provided.
from HSDB
Method: EPARCA 8021B; Procedure: gas chromatography with photoionization detector; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix:
ground water, aqueous sludges, caustic liquors, waste solvents, oily wastes, mousses, tars, fibrous wastes, polymeric
emulsions, filter cakes, spent carbons, spent catalysts, soils, and sediments; Detection Limit: 0.01 ug/L.
from HSDB
Method: EPARCA 8260B; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix: various;
Detection Limit: not provided.
from HSDB
Method: USGSNWQL O402403; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix:
wholewater; Detection Limit: 0.0357 ug/L.
from HSDB
Method: USGSNWQL O412796; Procedure: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; Analyte: 4xylene; Matrix:
surface or groundwater; Detection Limit: 0.041 ug/L.
from HSDB
9.2 Clinical Laboratory Methods

The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method to monitor the saliva matrix for ototoxic solvents
absorption: the method is based on headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and represents an alternative
biological monitoring for investigating low exposure to hazardous ototoxic solvents. Simultaneous determination of
toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and styrene has been carried out and the method has been optimized for both
instrumental parameters and samples treatment. Chromatographic conditions have been set in order to obtain a
good separation of xylene isomers due to the interest in pxylene as ototoxic one. Method validation has been
performed on standards spiked in blank saliva by using two internal standards 2fluorotoluene and deuterated
styrened8. This method showed the possibility to detect the target compounds with a linear dynamic range of at
least a 2 orders of magnitude characterized by a linear determination coefficient r2 greater than 0.999. The limit of
detection LOD ranged between 0.19 ng/mL styrene and 0.54 ng/mL mxylene and the lower limit of quantification
LLOQ ranged between 0.64 ng/mL styrene and 1.8 ng/mL mxylene. The method achieved good accuracy from
99 to 105% and precision for both intra and interassay relative standard deviation ranging from 1.7 to 13.8% for
all six compounds concerned. The repeatability was improved by adding sodium sulphate to the matrix. Saliva
samples resulted stable for at least 7 days after collection, if stored in headspace vials, at the temperature of 4
degrees C. An evaluation of the main sources of uncertainty of the method is also included: expanded uncertainties
ranges between 10 and 16% for all of the target compounds. In summary, the headspace gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry method is a highly sensitive, versatile and flexible technique for the biological monitoring of exposure to
ototoxic solvents by saliva analysis. Abstract: PubMed
Gherardi M et al; J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 878 (26): 23916 (2010)
from HSDB
9.3 NIOSH Analytical Methods

ORGANIC AND INORGANIC GASES BY EXTRACTIVE FTIR SPECTROMETRY 3800
from NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods
10 Safety and Hazards
10.1 Hazards Identification
10.1.1 GHS Classification
Signal: Danger
GHS Hazard Statements
Aggregated GHS information from 21 notifications provided by 967 companies to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each
notification may be associated with multiple companies.
H226 100%: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids Category 3]
H304 12.1%: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard Category 1]
H312 100%: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal Category 4]
H315 100%: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation Category 2]
H319 49.12%: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2A]
H332 100%: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation Category 4]
H335 12.31%: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory
tract irritation Category 3]
H412 17.99%: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, longterm
hazard Category 3]
Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage
value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from all companies. Only Hazard Codes with percentage
values above 10% are shown.
Precautionary Statement Codes

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P273, P280, P301+P310, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353,
P304+P312, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P322, P331, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P363, P370+P378,
P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501
The corresponding statement to each Pcode can be found here.
from European Chemicals Agency ECHA
View all 3 GHS Classification entries
10.1.2 Health Hazard
Vapors cause headache and dizziness. Liquid irritates eyes and skin. If taken into lungs, causes severe coughing,
distress, and rapidly developing pulmonary edema. If ingested, causes nausea, vomiting, cramps, headache, and coma.
Can be fatal. Kidney and liver damage can occur. USCG, 1999
Flammable 3rd degree

from NJDOH RTK Hazardous Substance List
10.1.3 Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back.
USCG, 1999
Flammable.
from ILOICSC
10.1.4 Explosion Hazard
Above 27C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.

from ILOICSC
10.1.5 Hazards Summary
The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 4xylene stem from its toxicologic properties and
flammability. Exposure to this colorless sweetsmelling liquid solid, below 13 deg C may occur from its use as a
solvent, as a component of gasoline, and as a chemical intermediate. Toxic by all routes of exposure ie, dermal,
ingestion, and inhalation, 4xylene can cause effects including headache, dizziness, skin and eye irritation, kidney and
liver damage, pulmonary edema, coma, and death. The ACGIH recommends a workplace exposure limit TLV of 100
ppm an 8hr timeweighted average TWA; however, to assure protection, wear an approved canister or airsupplied
mask, face shield, plastic gloves, and boots. In emergency situations, a selfcontained 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. Individuals with diseases of the central
nervous system, liver, kidneys, and blood should be protected from exposure. 4Xylene is easily ignitable by heat,
sparks, or flame flash point: 25 deg C, closed cup, 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 4xylene, producing irritating and poisonous gases. Fires involving 4
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 4xylene 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. 4Xylene should be stored in closed containers, in cool, well ventilated areas outdoor or detached areas are
preferable, away from sources of ignition, oxidizing agents, and any activity that could cause physical damage to
containers. For small spills of 4xylene, take up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent and place in containers
for later disposal, or absorb on paper and evaporate in an appropriate exhaust hood. For large spills, isolate the area,
dike far ahead of the spill, and collect the material for disposal. 4Xylene is a good candidate for the Belliot process of
oxidative destruction, as well as liquid injection, rotary kiln, and fluidized bed incineration. 4Xylene may be sent to a
solvent disposal company, but prior to implementing any land disposal of waste residue including waste sludge,
consult regulatory agencies for guidance.
from HSDB
10.1.6 Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Irritations
Human data indicate that acute inhalation exposures to 460 ppm mixed xylene and 100 ppm pxylene vapors produce
mild and transient eye irritation ... . This effect is probably the result of direct contact of the xylene vapor with the eye.
DHHS ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes (Update) (PB2008100008) p.71 (August 2007) Available from, as of August 29,
from HSDB
10.2 Safety and Hazard Properties
10.2.1 LEL
1.1 % USCG, 1999

1.1%
10.2.2 UEL
7 % USCG, 1999
7.0%
10.2.3 Flammability
% by vol: lower 1.1; upper 7.0

from HSDB
Class IC Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 73F and below 100F.

10.2.4 Critical Temperature
Critical temperature: 616.17 K; Critical pressure 3.55 MPa

from HSDB
10.2.5 Critical Pressure
Critical temperature: 616.17 K; Critical pressure 3.55 MPa

from HSDB
10.2.6 NFPA Hazard Classification
Health: 2. 2= Materials that, on intense or continued but not chronic exposure, could cause temporary incapacitation
or possible residual injury, including those requiring the use of respiratory protective equipment that has an
independent air supply. These materials are hazardous to health, but areas may be entered freely if personnel are
provided with fullface mask selfcontained breathing apparatus that provides complete eye protection.
from HSDB
Flammability: 3. 3= This degree includes Class IB and IC flammable liquids and materials that can be easily ignited
under almost all normal temperature conditions. Water may be ineffective in controlling or extinguishing fires in such
materials.
from HSDB
Instability: 0. 0= This degree includes materials that are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and that
do not react with water. Normal fire fighting procedures may be used.
from HSDB
10.2.7 NFPA Fire Rating
3
from CAMEO Chemicals, OSHA Occupational Chemical DB
10.2.8 NFPA Health Rating
2
from CAMEO Chemicals, OSHA Occupational Chemical DB
10.2.9 Physical Dangers
As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

from ILOICSC
10.2.10 Chemical Dangers
900 ppm
from HSDB
Reacts with strong acids and strong oxidants.

from ILOICSC
10.2.11 Explosive Limits and Potential
Explosive in form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame.

NJ. 2004., p. 3703
from HSDB
vol% in air: 1.17.0

from ILOICSC
10.2.12 OSHA Standards
Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z1 8hr Time Weighted Avg: 100 ppm 435 mg/cu m. /Xylenes o, m, pisomers/
29 CFR 1910.1000 (USDOL); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available
from, as of June 27, 2016: http://www.ecfr.gov
from HSDB
Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 100 ppm 435 mg/cu m; STEL 150 ppm 655 mg/cu m is still enforced in some states.
/Xylene o, m, pisomers/
NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government
Printing Office, 1997., p. 374
from HSDB
10.2.13 NIOSH Recommendations
Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr TimeWeighted Avg: 100 ppm 435 mg/cu m.

from HSDB
Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Min ShortTerm Exposure Limit: 150 ppm 655 mg/cu m.
from HSDB
10.3 First Aid Measures
10.3.1 First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline
solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any
ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY
transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms such as redness or irritation develop. SKIN:
IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all
affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY
call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave
the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath,
or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a
hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible,
SelfContained Breathing Apparatus SCBA should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or
equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious
and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison
control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or
unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side
with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.
NTP, 1992
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline
solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any
ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY
transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms such as redness or irritation develop. SKIN:
IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all
affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY
call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave
the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of
Breathing, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim
to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible,
SelfContained Breathing Apparatus SCBA should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or
equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious
and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison
control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or
unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side
with the Headache lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a
hospital. NTP, 1992
See procedures
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
10.3.2 Inhalation First Aid
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

from ILOICSC
10.3.3 Skin First Aid
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
from ILOICSC
10.3.4 Eye First Aid
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes remove contact lenses if easily possible, then refer for medical
attention.
from ILOICSC
10.3.5 Ingestion First Aid
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

from ILOICSC
10.4 Fire Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcoholresistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
from HSDB
Advice for firefighters: Wear selfcontained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
from HSDB
Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

from HSDB
Foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective. Cool exposed containers with water.
from HSDB
10.4.1 Fire Fighting
Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water may be ineffective. Fire Extinguishing Agents: Foam, dry chemical, or
carbon dioxide USCG, 1999
Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.

from ILOICSC
Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water may be ineffective.Fire Extinguishing Agents: Foam, dry chemical, or
carbon dioxide USCG, 1999
10.4.2 Explosion Fire Fighting
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

from ILOICSC
10.5 Accidental Release Measures
10.5.1 Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids WaterImmiscible / Noxious]: As an immediate precautionary
measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters 150 feet in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial
downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters 1000 feet. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire,
ISOLATE for 800 meters 1/2 mile in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters 1/2 mile in all
directions. ERG, 2016
10.5.2 Spillage Disposal
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the
substance. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. 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.
from ILOICSC
10.5.3 Cleanup Methods
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use
personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources
of ignition. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.
Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain
spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wetbrushing and place in container for
disposal according to local regulations.
from HSDB
10.5.4 Disposal Methods
SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites
should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations
shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or
discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and
assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker
exposure inhalation, dermal and ingestion as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not
practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261,
specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.
from HSDB
Generators of waste equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number
U239 and F003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
40 CFR 240280, 300306, 702799 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal
Regulations. Available from, as of April 2, 2015: http://www.ecfr.gov
from HSDB
Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as
this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and nonrecyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact
a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as
unused product.
from HSDB
pXylene is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled
incineration.
USEPA; Engineering Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p.210 (1981) EPA 68033025
from HSDB
Xylene is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.
USEPA; Engineering Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p. 210 (1981) EPA 68033025
from HSDB
10.5.5 Other Preventative Measures
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or
detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the
form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and
the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are
such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not
be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
from HSDB
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in a manner such that there is no direct personal contact
by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be
considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated
clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.
from HSDB
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use
personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources
of ignition. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.
Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
from HSDB
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Keep away from
sources of ignition No smoking. Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.
from HSDB
Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands
before breaks and at the end of workday.
from HSDB
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique without touching glove's outer surface
to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws
and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
from HSDB
The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
from HSDB
Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard i.e., for liquids with a
flash point of <100 deg F.
from HSDB
10.6 Handling and Storage
10.6.1 Nonfire Spill Response

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material.
Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vaportight plastic bag for eventual disposal.
Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do
not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer or other responsible person has verified that the area has
been properly cleaned. STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. NTP, 1992
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material.
Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vaportight plastic bag for eventual disposal.
Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do
not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer or other responsible person has verified that the area has
been properly cleaned.STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. NTP, 1992
10.6.2 Safe Storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids.

from ILOICSC
10.6.3 Storage Conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and wellventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully
resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
from HSDB
Ambient storage temp and open flame arrester, or pressurevacuum.

from HSDB
10.7 Exposure Control and Personal Protection
10.7.1 REL
TWA 100 ppm 435 mg/m3 ST 150 ppm 655 mg/m3

10.7.2 PEL
TWA 100 ppm 435 mg/m3 See Appendix G

10.7.3 PELTWA
100 ppm
435 mg/m3
10.7.4 RELTWA
100 ppm
435 mg/m3
10.7.5 RELSTEL
150 ppm
655 mg/m3
10.7.6 IDLH
900 ppm NIOSH, 2016

900 ppm
900 ppm
See: 95476
10.7.7 Threshold Limit Values
8 hr Time Weighted Avg TWA: 100 ppm; 15 min Short Term Exposure Limit STEL: 150 ppm. /Xylene o, m, & p
isomers/
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and
Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH 2016, p. 62
from HSDB
A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Xylene o,m, & p isomers/

from HSDB
Biological Exposure Index BEI: Determinant: methylhippuric acids in urine; Sampling Time: end of shift; BEI: 1.5 g/g
creatinine. /Xylenes, technical or commercial grade/
from HSDB
10.7.8 Other Occupational Permissible Levels
DOE Protective Action Criteria PAC: Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits TEELs for 4Xylene: TEEL0: 100 ppm;
PAC1: 150 ppm; PAC2: 200 ppm; PAC3: 900 ppm TEEL0: The threshold concentration below which most people
will experience no adverse health effects; PAC1: The maximum concentration in air below which it is believed nearly
all individuals could be exposed for up to one hour without experiencing other than mild transient adverse health
effects or perceiving a clearly defined objectionable odor; PAC2: The maximum concentration in air below which it is
believed nearly all individuals could be exposed for up to one hour without experiencing or developing irreversible or
other serious health effects or symptoms that could impair their abilities to take protective action; PAC3: The
maximum concentration in air below which it is believed nearly all individuals could be exposed for up to one hour
without experiencing or developing lifethreatening health effects.
DOE (2008) Protective Action Criteria (PAC) for Chemicals Including AEGLs, ERPGs, & TEELs
(http://orise.orau.gov/emi/scapa/teels.htm); PAC Database Revision 24
from HSDB
10.7.9 Occupational Exposure Limits
TLV: 100 ppm as TWA; 150 ppm as STEL; A4 not classifiable as a human carcinogen; BEI issued; ACGIH 2001.
from ILOICSC
10.7.10 Inhalation Risk
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20C.
from ILOICSC
10.7.11 Effects of Short Term Exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. If this
liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis.
from ILOICSC
10.7.12 Effects of Long Term 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 noiseinduced hearing loss. Animal tests show that this
substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.
from ILOICSC
10.7.13 Personal Protection
See protection codes

Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet flammable
Change:No recommendation
10.7.14 Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 900 ppm:
APF = 10 Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridges*
APF = 25 Any powered, airpurifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges*
APF = 10 Any suppliedair respirator*
APF = 50 Any selfcontained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:

APF = 10,000 Any selfcontained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressuredemand
or other positivepressure mode
APF = 10,000 Any suppliedair respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressuredemand or other
positivepressure mode in combination with an auxiliary selfcontained positivepressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
APF = 50 Any airpurifying, fullfacepiece respirator gas mask with a chinstyle, front or backmounted organic
vapor canister
Any appropriate escapetype, selfcontained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
10.7.15 Fire Prevention
NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.

from ILOICSC
10.7.16 Explosion Prevention
Above 27C use a closed system, ventilation and explosionproof electrical equipment. Prevent buildup of
electrostatic charges e.g., by grounding.
from ILOICSC
10.7.17 Exposure Prevention
STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF PREGNANT WOMEN!

from ILOICSC
10.7.18 Inhalation Prevention
Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

from ILOICSC
10.7.19 Skin Prevention
Protective gloves.
from ILOICSC
10.7.20 Eye Prevention
Wear safety spectacles.

from ILOICSC
10.7.21 Ingestion Prevention
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

from ILOICSC
10.7.22 Protective Equipment and Clothing
Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to
prevent eye contact. Wash skin: The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazardi.e. for
liquids with flash point < 100F Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change
clothing after the work shift. NIOSH, 2016
Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under
appropriate government standards such as NIOSH US or EN 166EU.
from HSDB
Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

from HSDB
Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. Flame retardant antistatic protective clothing. The type
of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at
the specific workplace.
from HSDB
Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows airpurifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator
with multipurpose combination US or type ABEK EN 14387 respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering
controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a fullface supplied air respirator. Use respirators and
components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH US or CEN EU.
from HSDB
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

from HSDB
Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

from HSDB
Respirator Recommendations: Up to 900 ppm

Assigned
Protection Factor Respirator Recommendation
APF
Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridges. Substance reported to
APF = 10
cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.
Any powered, airpurifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges. Substance reported to
APF = 25
cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.
Any suppliedair respirator. Substance reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may
APF = 10
require eye protection.
APF = 50 Any selfcontained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece.
from HSDB
Respirator Recommendations: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
Assigned
Protection Respirator Recommendation
Factor APF
Any selfcontained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure
APF = 10,000
demand or other positivepressure mode.
Any suppliedair respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressuredemand or
APF = 10,000 other positivepressure mode in combination with an auxiliary selfcontained positivepressure
breathing apparatus.
from HSDB
Respirator Recommendations: Escape conditions:

Assigned
Protection Respirator Recommendation
Factor APF
Any airpurifying, fullfacepiece respirator gas mask with a chinstyle, front or backmounted
APF = 50
organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escapetype, selfcontained breathing apparatus.
from HSDB
10.8 Stability and Reactivity
10.8.1 Air and Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

10.8.2 Reactive Group
Hydrocarbons, Aromatic
10.8.3 Reactivity Alerts
Highly Flammable
10.8.4 Reactivity Profile
PXYLENE may react with oxidizing materials. NTP, 1992. Acetic acid forms explosive mixtures with pxylene and air
Shraer, B.I. 1970. Khim. Prom. 4610:747750..
10.8.5 Reactivities and Incompatibilities
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.

from HSDB
In liquid phase aerobic oxidation of pxylene in acetic acid to terephthalic acid, it is important to eliminate the
inherent hazards of this fuelair mixture. Effects of temp, pressure and presence of steam on explosive limits of the
mixture have been investigated.
Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: ButterworthHeinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 713
from HSDB
Oxidation of pxylene with nitric acid under pressure in manufacture of terephthalic acid is an explosion hazard in
autoclaves and condensing systems.
from HSDB
Can react with oxidizing materials.

NJ. 2004., p. 3703
from HSDB
An attempt to chlorinate xylene with 1,3dichloro5,5dimethyl2,4imidazolidindione dichlorohydrantoin caused a

violent explosion. The haloimide undergoes immediate self accelerating decomp in the presence of solvents.
/Xylenes/
from HSDB
Strong oxidizers, strong acids.

from HSDB
STABILITY: Stable under normal laboratory conditions.REACTIVITY: May react with oxidizing materials. NTP, 1992
Strong oxidizers, strong acids

10.9 Transport Information
10.9.1 DOT Emergency Guidelines
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE:

Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to
source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or
confined areas sewers, basements, tanks. Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances
designated with a P may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or
explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. /Xylenes/
U.S. Department of Transportation. 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook. Washington, D.C. 2012
from HSDB
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled
or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce
irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution
water may cause pollution. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response
Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate
telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area
for at least 50 meters 150 feet in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low
areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive

pressure selfcontained breathing apparatus SCBA. Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide
limited protection. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ Evacuation: Large Spill: Consider initial
downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters 1000 feet. Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire,
ISOLATE for 800 meters 1/2 mile in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters 1/2 mile in all
directions. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ Fire: CAUTION: All these products have a
very low flash point: Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. Small Fire: Dry chemical, CO2, water
spray or regular foam. Large Fire: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Do not use straight streams. Move containers
from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads: Fight fire from maximum distance
or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after
fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS
stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is
impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ Spill or Leak: ELIMINATE all ignition
sources no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must
be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into
waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or
cover with dry earth, sand or other noncombustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean nonsparking tools
to collect absorbed material. Large Spill: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor;
but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
/GUIDE 130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar/WaterImmiscible/Noxious/ First Aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911
or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is
difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush
skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Wash skin with soap and water. In case of burns, immediately
cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. Keep victim
warm and quiet. Effects of exposure inhalation, ingestion or skin contact to substance may be delayed. Ensure that
medical personnel are aware of the materials involved and take precautions to protect themselves. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
10.9.2 Shipment Methods and Regulations
No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is
registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled,
and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations 49 CFR 171177./
49 CFR 171.2 (USDOT); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from,
as of June 28, 2016: http://www.ecfr.gov
from HSDB
The International Air Transport Association IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA
Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier
regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. Xylenes is included on
the dangerous goods list. /Xylenes/
International Air Transport Association. Dangerous Goods Regulations. 57th Edition. Montreal, Quebec Canada. 2016., p. 335
from HSDB
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals.
Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are
included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This
index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping
any substance or article. Xylenes is included on the dangerous goods list. /Xylenes/
International Maritime Organization. IMDG Code. International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Volume 2 2014, p. 57
from HSDB
10.9.3 DOT ID and Guide
1307 130
10.9.4 DOT Label
Flammable Liquid
10.9.5 EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 1020/2138; S: 225; Note: C

from ILOICSC
10.9.6 UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: III

from ILOICSC
10.9.7 Emergency Response
Transport Emergency Card: TEC R30S1307III. NFPA Code: H2; F3; R0.
from ILOICSC
10.10 Regulatory Information
10.10.1 DOT Emergency Response Guide
130 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS NonPolar / WaterImmiscible / Noxious POTENTIAL HAZARDS FIRE OR

EXPLOSION * HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. * Vapors may form explosive
mixtures with air. * Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. * Most vapors are heavier than air. They will
spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas sewers, basements, tanks. * Vapor explosion hazard
indoors, outdoors or in sewers. * Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or
involved in a fire. * Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. * Containers may explode when heated. *
Many liquids are lighter than water. HEALTH * May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. *
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. * Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or
toxic gases. * Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. * Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause
pollution. PUBLIC SAFETY * CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper
not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. * As an immediate
precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters 150 feet in all directions. * Keep unauthorized
personnel away. * Stay upwind. * Keep out of low areas. * Ventilate closed spaces before entering. PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING * Wear positive pressure selfcontained breathing apparatus SCBA. * Structural firefighters' protective
clothing will only provide limited protection. EVACUATION Large Spill * Consider initial downwind evacuation for at
least 300 meters 1000 feet. Fire * If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters 1/2 mile
in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters 1/2 mile in all directions. EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE CAUTION: All these products have a very low flash point: Use of water spray when fighting fire may be
inefficient. Small Fire * Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. Large Fire * Water spray, fog or regular
foam. * Do not use straight streams. * Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fire involving
Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads * Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. *
Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. * Withdraw immediately in case of rising
sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. * ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. * For
massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire
burn. SPILL OR LEAK * ELIMINATE all ignition sources no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area. * All
equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. * Do not touch or walk through spilled material. *
Stop leak if you can do it without risk. * Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. * A vapor
suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. * Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other noncombustible
material and transfer to containers. * Use clean nonsparking tools to collect absorbed material. Large Spill * Dike far
ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. * Water spray may reduce vapor; but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.
FIRST AID * Move victim to fresh air. * Call 911 or emergency medical service. * Give artificial respiration if victim is
not breathing. * Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. * Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. *
In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. * Wash
skin with soap and water. * In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do
not remove clothing if adhering to skin. * Keep victim warm and quiet. * Effects of exposure inhalation, ingestion or
skin contact to substance may be delayed. * Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the materials involved and
take precautions to protect themselves.
10.10.2 State Drinking Water Standards
CA CALIFORNIA 1750 ug/L

USEPA/Office of Water; FederalState Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking
Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present
from HSDB
10.10.3 State Drinking Water Guidelines
ME MAINE 1,400 ug/L /Xylenes/

USEPA/Office of Water; FederalState Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking
Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93) To Present
from HSDB
10.10.4 Clean Water Act Requirements
pXylene is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311b2A of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges
of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures
containing this substance.
40 CFR 116.4 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from,
from HSDB
10.10.5 CERCLA Reportable Quantities
Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center NRC immediately, when
there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable
quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is 800 4248802. The rule for determining when
notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 section IV. D.3.b.
from HSDB
10.10.6 TSCA Requirements
Pursuant to section 8d of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8d
model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to
EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. pXylene is included on this list. Effective date 10/4/82;
Sunset date: 10/4/92.
40 CFR 716.120 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available
from, as of June 27, 2016: http://www.ecfr.gov
from HSDB
Section 8a of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information
concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date 1/26/94;
Reporting date: 3/28/94.
from HSDB
10.10.7 RCRA Requirements
F003; When xylene is a spent solvent, it is classified as a hazardous waste from a nonspecific source F003, as stated
in 40 CFR 261.31, and must be managed according to State and/or Federal hazardous waste regulations. /Xylenes/.
from HSDB
U239; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when xylene, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical
intermediate or an offspecification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes
a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a
hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into
water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from
hazardous waste regulations 40 CFR 261.5. /Xylenes/
from HSDB
11 Toxicity
11.1 Toxicological Information
11.1.1 NIOSH Toxicity Data
Download
1 to 3 of 20 View More
Measurement Count
Reproductive Effects Data 7
Acute Toxicity Data 8
Other Multiple Dose Data 5
11.1.2 Carcinogen
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of xylenes. There is inadequate evidence in
experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of xylenes. Overall classification: Xylenes are not classifiable as to their
carcinogenicity to humans Group 3./Xylenes, o,m,p isomers/
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php , p. 71 1204 (1999)
from HSDB
CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Orally administered
technical xylene mixtures did not result in significant increases in incidences in tumor responses in rats or mice of
both sexes. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. /based on
former classification system/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Summary on Xylenes (1330207). Available from,
as of July 19, 2016: http://www.epa.gov/iris/
from HSDB
Under the Draft Revised Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment U.S. EPA, 1999, data are inadequate for an
assessment of the carcinogenic potential of xylenes. Adequate human data on the carcinogenicity of xylenes are not
available, and the available animal data are inconclusive as to the ability of xylenes to cause a carcinogenic response.
Evaluations of the genotoxic effects of xylenes have consistently given negative results. /Xylenes/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). Summary on Xylenes (1330207). Available from,
as of July 19, 2016: http://www.epa.gov/iris/
from HSDB
A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Xylene o, m, & p isomers/

from HSDB
IARC3, TLVA4, EPAI

11.1.3 Exposure Routes
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.
from ILOICSC
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

11.1.4 Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; dizziness, excitement, drowsiness, incoordination, staggering gait; corneal
vacuolization; anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; dermatitis
11.1.5 Inhalation Symptoms
Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea.

from ILOICSC
11.1.6 Skin Symptoms
Dry skin. Redness.

from ILOICSC
11.1.7 Eye Symptoms
Redness. Pain.
from ILOICSC
11.1.8 Ingestion Symptoms
Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Further see Inhalation.

from ILOICSC
11.1.9 Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, blood, liver, kidneys
11.1.10 Interactions
Sixteen men were studied in an exposure chamber to assess the effect of four hr exposure to toluene 3.25 mmol/cu
m, pxylene 2.84 mmol/cu m a mixture of toluene and pxylene 2.20 + 0.94 mmol/cu m and a control condition.
With the aid of microcomputers subjects performed tests of simple reaction time, short term memory, and choice
reaction time immediately after entering the chamber, after two, and after four hours of exposure. The results indicate
that the performance on the tests was unaffected by exposure. In the light of this result, the risk of an acute effect on
central nervous functions after exposure for four hours at these concn was considered to be minimal.
Olson BA et al; Brit J Ind Med 42: 11722 (1985)
from HSDB
Eight male subjects were experimentally exposed to toluene, pxylene, and a combination of toluene and pxylene to
study the influence of coexposure and exposure to different levels of each solvent on their uptake and elimination.
The exposures were performed for 4 hr at exposure levels equivalent to or lower than the Swedish threshold limit
value for toluene, 300 mg/cu m 3.2 mmol/cu m. During and after the exposure, solvent concentrations were
measured in blood and in expired air. In addition, the pulmonary ventilation rate was measured during the exposure.
Decreases in the blood/end exhaled air concentration ratio were found for both toluene and pxylene when given in
combination compared with separate exposure. The total solvent uptake relative to the exposure level was decreased
after exposure to the higher solvent concentration, and the apparent clearance was also decreased after exposure to
the higher concentration of solvent. Finally, the blood solvent concentration were lower at the end of the exposure
compared with the maximal concentration during each exposure condition. In the kinetics of toluene and pxylene,
the total amount of toluene or pxylene, or both, seems to be of major importance. The change in blood/end exhaled
air concentration ratio may indicate an effect of coexposure.[Wallen M et al; Br J Ind Med 42 2: 1116 1985] Full
text: PMC1007432 Abstract: PubMed
from HSDB
It is unclear whether the pneumotoxicity observed with bromobenzene in phenobarbitalinduced rats is related to
bromobenzene bioactivation in lung, liver or both. To help differentiate pulmonary from hepatic bioactivation,
bromobenzene was admin alone and in combination with pxylene, which inhibits pulmonary but induces hepatic
cytochrome P450. Exposure to pxylene alone 3400 ppm for 4 hr produced no changes in bronchoalveolar lavage
fluid measurements ... or serum sorbitol dehydrogenase. pXylene incr hepatic microsomal benzyloxy, pentoxy, and
ethoxyresorufin Odealkylase activities but decr pulmonary microsomal benzyloxy and pentoxyresorufin O
dealkylase activities. Immunoblot analysis revealed an induction of hepatic but not pulmonary microsomal P450IIB
apoprotein. When rats were exposed to pxylene 2800 ppm or room air for 4 hr, treated 12 hr later with
bromobenzene 0.5 mL/kg, ip or corn oil, and killed after 12 hr, pxylene incr hepatic P450IIB 27fold concomitant
with a similar incr in benzyloxyresorufin Odealkylase activity. pXylene also incr hepatic P450IA apoprotein 3 to 4
fold with a complimentary incr in ethoxyresorufin Odealkylase activity. pXylene potentiated bromobenzene
induced hepatotoxicity. In pulmonary microsomes pxylene and bromobenzene each produced similar decr in both
ethoxy and benzyloxyresorufin Odealkylase activities. The combination of pxylene and bromobenzene had an
additive effect on pulmonary P450IA1 reduction. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis and histopathology revealed no
pneumotoxicity with any treatment. pXylene potentiation of bromobenzeneinduced hepatotoxicity without
pneumotoxicity suggests that the liver does not produced metabolites of bromobenzene which are directly involved
in pulmonary damage. Abstract: PubMed
Day BJ et al; Fundam Appl Toxicol 19 (1): 5056 (1992)
from HSDB
The effects of pxylene and ethanol on the lung metabolism of benzoapyrene were studied. pXylene was admin by
ip injection at doses ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 g/kg 1:1 in soybean oil. Ethanol was admin po at 5 g/kg 40% w/v. Rats
given pxylene, ethanol, or pxylene and ethanol were sacrificed 1 hr after treatment. Additional time points of 15 min,
30 min, 4 hr, and 24 hr after pxylene 1 g/kg were examined. 3Hydroxybenzoapyrene 3OH formation was
measured fluorometrically as aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in lung microsomes. pXylene 1 g/kg inhibited
the formation of 3OH benzoapyrene 40% at 15 min, 27% at 30 min, 43% at 1 hr, and 39% at 4 hr after treatment.
Inhibition of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was still present 24 hr after dosing 41%. Aryl hydrocarbon
hydroxylase activity was inhibited 27% and 46% at 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg pxylene 1 hr, respectively, while the
lowest dose 0.1 mg/kg did not change activity. Analysis of the major metabolites of benzoapyrene by HPLC
demonstrated that the formation of 3OH and 4,5diol benzoapyrene were inhibited 32% and 50%, respectively, in
lung microsomes prepared 24 hr after a single injection of pxylene 1 g/kg. None of the other metabolites analyzed
were changed by pxylene. Ethanol had no effect on 3OH benzoapyrene formation during a 1hr treatment. A
combined dose of ethanol and pxylene moderately inhibited 3OH benzoapyrene formation. These findings
indicate that benzoapyrene detoxication i.e., 3OH formation in rat lung is selectively inhibited by pxylene but not
ethanol. Ethanol appears to modify the inhibitory effect of pxylene. Abstract: PubMed
Roberts AE et al; J Toxicol Environ Health 18 (2): 25766 (1986)
from HSDB
In rats SpragueDawley pxylene 2800 ppm for 4 hr has been shown to potentiate hepatotoxicity induced by
bromobenzene, while the effect of bromobenzene on pneumotoxicity was unaffected by pxylene, indicating
differences in xylene metabolism between the liver and the lung.
from HSDB
pXylene has been shown to decrease axonal transport of proteins and glycoproteins in rats LongEvans exposed by
inhalation to 1600 ppm for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week, for 8 days. When ethanol 10% in drinkingwater was given during
6 days prior to inhalation of pxylene, the treatment prevented the decreased axonal transport. Ethanol per se did not
decrease the axonal transport.
from HSDB
11.1.11 Toxicity Summary
IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 4Xylene pxylene is a colorless liquid Note: A solid below 56 degrees F. It is used for
synthesis of terephthalic acid for polyester resins and fibers; pharmaceutical synthesis; insecticides. pXylene is also
frequently used for paints or in the printing trade. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Three women exposed to p
xylene at 100 ppm for 1 to 7.5 hours/day, for 5 days, showed no effects on electroencephalograms, evoked potentials,
or cognitive performance, but frequently reported headache and dizziness as a result of exposure. In contrast, four
men exposed at concentrations of up to 150 ppm pxylene under the same exposure conditions reported no increase
in headaches or dizziness. Slight impairment of vestibular and visual function and reaction time was noted at exposure
levels from 200 to 300 ppm. There was adaption to the impairment over five successive daily exposures. Human data
indicate that acute inhalation exposures to 460 ppm mixed xylene and 100 ppm pxylene vapors produce mild and
transient eye irritation. pXylene is possibly ototoxic at concentrations that are relevant to the occupational setting.
Levels of blood xylenes reflect recent exposure. The mand pxylene isomers usually are measured together and
reported as m/pxylene. ANIMAL STUDIES: Increased hepatic cytochrome p450 concentrations and reduced
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cytochrome C reductase activity occurred in rats exposed 3 days to 2000 ppm of
pxylene. In lung microsomes, cytochrome p450 content was decreased. Marked activation and tremor were observed
at concentrations between 400 and 1500 ppm pxylene in rats. The CNS depressant threshold was 1940 ppm. In a
study of levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the forebrain and hypothalamus, rats six males/group were
exposed to 0 or 2000 ppm pxylene 6 hr/day for 3 days. The animals were killed 1618 hr after the last exposure. In
exposed animals there was a significant increase in catecholamine levels and turnover in various parts of the
hypothalamus. There was no effect on dopamine levels or turnover in the forebrain. Histological damage to the outer
hair cells of the organ of Corti provided evidence of ototoxicity in rats exposed by oral gavage to pxylene, but not m
or oxylene, at a dose of 900 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. The losses of hair cells occurred in the area of the
cochlea responsive to medium frequencies 1025 kHz. Mice were exposed to pxylene at 150, 1500, or 3000 mg/cu
m, 24 hr/day from days 714 of gestation. Toxic effects were decr weight of fetuses, increased incidence of skeletal
retardation, and decrease in activity of enzymes, succinic dehydrogenase, alkaline, acid phosphatase, glucose 6
phosphatase and changed characteristic features of functional maturity of the nephron, retardation of fetus was dose
related. In other experiment, increased incidence of malformations mostly cleft palates, were observed only with m or
pxylene. Malformations ie cleft palate associated with mixed or individual isomers were primarily reported at
maternally toxic doses. Each xylene isomer was administered to male rats intraperitoneally in 2 similar doses, 24 hours
apart over a range of concentrations from 0, 0.120.75 mL/kg 105650 mg/kg and evaluated femoral bone marrow
30 hours after the first injection. No increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was observed for any
xylene isomer. pXylene was nonmutagenic using the Ames assay. It did not revert Salmonella typhimurium strains
TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98, & TA100 either with or without metabolic activation. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: The
xylene isomers have a similar degree of toxicity as mixed xylenes to estuarine/marine invertebrates. For mxylene and
pxylene, the respective 48hour LC50 values are 19.3 and 24.5 mg/L in brine shrimp, suggesting that the mxylene
and pxylene isomers are slightly toxic to estuarine/marine invertebrates on an acute basis.
from HSDB
11.1.12 Antidote and Emergency Treatment
Immediate First Aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start
artificial respiration, preferably with a demandvalve resuscitator, bagvalvemask device, or pocket mask, as trained.
Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If
vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side headdown position, if possible to maintain an open
airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention.
/Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier
Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 209
from HSDB
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed. Suction if necessary.
Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather
mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if
necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary. ... For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water.
Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline NS during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse
mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 L of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex,
and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/
from HSDB
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is
unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positivepressure ventilation techniques
with a bagvalvemask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider
administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat
arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9%
saline NS or lactated Ringer's LR if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia,
administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam Valium or lorazepam
Ativan ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Aromatics hydrocarbons and related
compounds/
from HSDB
Emergency and supportive measures: Inhalation exposure. Maintain an open airway and assist ventilation if necessary.
Administer supplemental oxygen and monitor oxygenation. If the patient is coughing or dyspneic, consider aspiration
pneumonia. Treat for hydrocarbon pneumonia. If the patient remains asymptomatic after a 6hour observation,
chemical pneumonia is unlikely, and further observation or chest radiography is not needed. Treat coma, arrhythmias
and bronchospasm if they occur. Caution: Epinephrine and other sympathomimetic amines may provoke or aggravate
cardiac arrhythmias. Tachyarrhythmias may be treated with propranolol ... or esmolol. /Toluene and xylene/
OLSON, K.R. (Ed). Poisoning and Drug Overdose, Sixth Edition. McGrawHill, New York, NY 2012, p. 391
from HSDB
Decontamination: Patients exposed only to solvent vapor who have no skin or eye irritation do not need
decontamination. However, victims whose clothing or skin is contaminated with liquid can secondarily contaminate
response personnel by direct contact or through offgassing vapor. Inhalation. Remove the victim from exposure and
give supplemental oxygen if available. Skin and eyes. Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed skin with
soap and water. Flush exposed or irritated eyes with plain water or saline. Ingestion. Administer activated charcoal
orally if conditions are appropriate. Consider gastric lavage for large ingestions >12 oz if it can be performed within
30 minutes of ingestion. /Toluene and xylene/
OLSON, K.R. (Ed). Poisoning and Drug Overdose, Sixth Edition. McGrawHill, New York, NY 2012, p. 391
from HSDB
11.1.13 Medical Surveillance
Physical examinations of exposed personnel annually, with special attention to eyes and central nervous system, and
include complete blood count and studies of liver and kidney function.
ITII. Toxic and Hazarous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual. Tokyo, Japan: The International Technical Information Institute, 1982.,
p. 557
from HSDB
11.1.14 Human Toxicity Excerpts
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Objective measures of neurological function electroencephalography, tests of motor
activity and cognitive performance in humans are not affected by acute or intermediate, intermittent or continuous
inhalation exposure to pxylene for 4 hours or up to 7 hours for 5 days at concentrations ranging from 69 to 150 ppm
... . Differences in such factors as the xylene isomer, the neurological parameter, exposure conditions and
concentrations, rapid development of tolerance, and total xylene uptake may account for the variability in results.
However, some sex difference in subjective reports of central nervous system effects was observed ... . Three women
exposed to pxylene at 100 ppm for 1 to 7.5 hours/day, for 5 days, showed no effects on electroencephalograms,
evoked potentials, or cognitive performance, but frequently reported headache and dizziness as a result of exposure ...
. In contrast, four men exposed at concentrations of up to 150 ppm pxylene under the same exposure conditions
reported no increase in headaches or dizziness.
from HSDB
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... Sixteen male subjects /were exposed/ at 70 ppm pxylene for 4 hours. Performance
in tests of simple reaction time, short term memory, and choice reaction time remained unchanged after inhaling
xylene.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs with Other World Wide
Occupational Exposure Values. 7th Ed. CDROM Cincinnati, OH 452401634 2013., p. 6
from HSDB
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Chest xrays obtained from volunteers exposed to a timeweighted average TWA
concentration of 200 ppm mxylene for 3.67 hours/day for 4 days showed no adverse effects on the lungs ... . Also, no
effects on pulmonary ventilation volume were observed in volunteers exposed to 150 ppm pxylene for 5 days/week
in a 4week trial.
from HSDB
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Effects on the sensory motor and information process functions of the central nervous
system CNS have been investigated. Usually mxylene has been used, but pxylene and mixed xylenes have also
been studied. In these studies no significant effects on vestibular or visual function, reaction times, coordination or
peripheral senses were observed during a 4hr exposure to a constant concentration of up to 160 ppm. Slight
impairment of vestibular and visual function and reaction time was noted at exposure levels from 200 to 300 ppm.
There was adaption to the impairment over five successive daily exposures.
from HSDB
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ When volunteers were exposed to about 195 mg/cu m 45 ppm of o, m or pxylene
for 8 hr, about 9599% of the dose was excreted as methylhippuric acid in urine. Dimethylphenol excretion was
estimated to be 0.1 to 2% of the dose absorbed ... About 90% of the absorbed dose of mxylene was excreted as
methylhippuric acid after exposure to 435 mg/cu m 100 ppm for 4 hr ... On the other hand, after exposure to 600
mg/cu m 138 ppm of oxylene, only 46% was excreted in urine as methylhippuric acid and only trace amounts of the
omethylbenzoyl glucuronide were detected.
from HSDB
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Conjunctivitis, dermatitis, irritation to respiratory tract, dyspnea, anorexia, nausea, vomiting,
fatigue, headache, vertigo dizziness, incoordination, irritation, gangrene, anemia.
ITII. Toxic and Hazarous Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual. Tokyo, Japan: The International Technical Information Institute, 1982.,
p. 559
from HSDB
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Self reported symptoms of respiratory irritation and impaired performance in tests of
pulmonary function have been observed in studies of volunteers exposed to xylene for short periods of time under
controlled conditions. In humans, nose and throat irritation has been reported following exposure to mixed xylene at
200 ppm for 3 to 5 minutes ... , to mxylene at 50 ppm for 2 hours ... , and to pxylene at 100 ppm for 1 to 7.5
hours/day for 5 days ... . However, no increase in reports of nose and throat irritation and no change in respiratory
rate were seen in a study of subjects exposed to mixed xylene at a concentration of 396 ppm for 30 minutes ... .
DHHS ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes (Update) (PB2008100008) p.30, 64 (August 2007). Available from, as of July 19,
from HSDB
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Human data indicate that acute inhalation exposures to 460 ppm mixed xylene and 100
ppm pxylene vapors produce mild and transient eye irritation ... . This effect is probably the result of direct contact of
the xylene vapor with the eye.
from HSDB
/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ We examined ambient exposure to specific air toxics in the perinatal period in relation to
retinoblastoma development. Cases were ascertained from California Cancer Registry records of children diagnosed
between 1990 and 2007 and matched to California birth certificates. Controls were randomly selected from state birth
records for the same time period. We chose 27 air toxics for the present study that had been listed as possible,
probable, or established human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Children 103 cases
and 30,601 controls included in the study lived within 5 miles of an air pollution monitor. Using logistic regression
analyses, we modeled the risk of retinoblastoma due to air toxic exposure, separately for exposures in pregnancy and
the first year of life. With a per interquartile range increase in air toxic exposure, retinoblastoma risk was found to be
increased with pregnancy exposure to benzene OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.64 and other toxics which primarily arise
from gasoline and diesel combustion: toluene, 1,3butadiene, ethyl benzene, orthoxylene, and meta/paraxylene;
these six toxics were highly correlated. Retinoblastoma risk was also increased with pregnancy exposure to chloroform
OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.70, chromium OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.60, paradichlorobenzene OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.04,
1.49, nickel OR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.01, and in the first year of life, acetaldehyde OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.48.
Sources of these agents are discussed.[Heck JE et al; J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 25 2: 1826 2015] Full text:
PMC4059784 Abstract: PubMed
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/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ To study the relationship between acute air pollution exposure and cardiovascular events
during labor/delivery. The Consortium on Safe Labor 20022008, an observational US cohort with 223,502 singleton
deliveries provided electronic medical records. Air pollution exposure was estimated by modified Community
Multiscale Air Quality models. Cardiovascular events cardiac failure/arrest, stroke, myocardial infarcts and other
events were recorded in the hospital discharge records for 687 pregnancies 0.3%. Logistic regression with
generalized estimating equations estimated the relationship between cardiovascular events and daily air pollutant
levels for delivery day and the 7 days preceding delivery. Increased odds of cardiovascular events were observed for
each IQR increase in exposure to nitric oxides at 5 and 6 days prior to delivery OR=1.17, 99% CI 1.04 to 1.30 and
OR=1.15, 1.03 to 1.28, respectively. High exposure to toxic air pollution species such as ethylbenzene OR=1.50, 1.08
to 2.09, mxylene OR=1.54, 1.11 to 2.13, oxylene OR=1.51, 1.09 to 2.09, pxylene OR=1.43, 1.03 to 1.99 and
toluene OR=1.42, 1.02 to 1.97 at 5 days prior to delivery were also associated with cardiovascular events. Decreased
odds of events were observed with exposure to ozone. Air pollution in the days prior to delivery, especially nitrogen
oxides and some toxic air pollution species, was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events during the
labour/delivery admission. Abstract: PubMed
Mannisto T et al; Heart 101 (18): 14918 (2015)
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/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ There is accumulating epidemiological evidence that exposure to some solvents, metals,
asphyxiants and other substances in humans is associated with an increased risk of acquiring hearing loss.
Furthermore, simultaneous and successive exposure to certain chemicals along with noise can increase the
susceptibility to noiseinduced hearing loss. There are no regulations that require hearing monitoring of workers who
are employed at locations in which occupational exposure to potentially ototoxic chemicals occurs in the absence of
noise exposure. This project was undertaken to develop a toxicological database allowing the identification of
possible ototoxic substances present in the work environment alone or in combination with noise exposure. Critical
toxicological data were compiled for chemical substances included in the Quebec occupational health regulation. The
data were evaluated only for noise exposure levels that can be encountered in the workplace and for realistic
exposure concentrations up to the shortterm exposure limit or ceiling value CV or 5 times the 8hr timeweighted
average occupational exposure limit TWA OEL for human data and up to 100 times the 8h TWA OEL or CV for
animal studies. In total, 224 studies in 150 articles of which 44 evaluated the combined exposure to noise and a
chemical covering 29 substances were evaluated using a weight of evidence approach. For the majority of cases
where potential ototoxicity was previously proposed, there is a paucity of toxicological data in the primary literature.
Human and animal studies indicate that lead, styrene, toluene and trichloroethylene are ototoxic and ethyl benzene,
nhexane and pxylene are possibly ototoxic at concentrations that are relevant to the occupational setting. Carbon
monoxide appears to exacerbate noiseinduced hearing dysfunction. Toluene interacts with noise to induce more
severe hearing losses than the noise alone. Abstract: PubMed
Vyskocil A et al; Toxicol Ind Health 28 (9): 796819 (2012)
from HSDB
/BIOMONITORING/ Levels of blood xylenes reflect recent exposure. The mand pxylene isomers usually are measured
together and reported as m/pxylene; the oxylene isomer is measured and reported separately. In the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey NHANES 20012002 and 20032004 subsamples, blood oxylene was
nondetectable in a majority of the participants, whereas the median blood m/pxylene levels were similar to the
earlier NHANES III results. In a nonrepresentative subsample of adults in NHANES III 19881994, the median blood
levels of oxylene and m/pxylene were 0.11 ug/L and 0.19 ug/L, respectively. These results were roughly similar to
geometric mean levels of nonsmokers reported in a subsample of NHANES 19992000 and in other studies of the U.S.
general population, and to levels in adults in other countries. Blood oxylene levels in U.S. children were two to three
times lower than adult levels. Smokers can have blood o and m/pxylene levels that are each about twice as high as
those for nonsmokers. Workers who are exposed to vehicle exhaust can have oand m/pxylene blood levels that are
each about two to three times higher than levels in the general population.
CDC; Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, p. 500 (2009); Available from, as of June 30, 2016:
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/FourthReport.pdf
from HSDB
/BIOMONITORING/ The quantitative relationship between exposure to xylene vapor and urinary excretion in
methylhippuric acid isomers were studied in the second half of a working wk. The participants in the study were 121
male workers engaged in dipcoating of metal parts who were predominantly exposed to three xylene isomers. The
intensity of exposure measured by diffusive sampling during an 8hr shift was such that the geometric mean vapor
concn was 3.8 ppm for xylenes 0.8 ppm for oxylene, 2.1 ppm for mxylene, and 0.9 ppm for pxylene, 0.8 ppm for
toluene, and 0.9 ppm for ethylbenzene. Urine samples were collected at the end of the shift and analyzed for
metabolites by HPLC. The statistical analysis showed that there is a linear relationship between the intensity of
exposure to xylenes and the concn of methylhippuric acid in urine, that the regression line passes very close to the
origin, and that the increment in observed i.e., noncorrected methylhippuric acid concentration as a function of
increased xylene concentrationn was 17.8 mg/ppm. Further exam on the basis on individual xylene isomers showed
that the slopes of the regression lines for o and misomers were similar i.e., 17.1 and 16.6 mg/L/ppm, respectively,
whereas that for pxylene was larger 21.3 mg/L/ppm. Abstract: PubMed
Kawai T et al; Int Arch Occup Environ Health 63 (1): 6976 (1991)
from HSDB
/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Surgical smoke production is inevitable during surgical procedures. Although
many workplaces have adopted smokefree environments, healthcare workers, especially surgeons, continue to be
exposed to surgical smoke. From February 2013 to March 2013, a total of 20 patients underwent transperitoneal
laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. A 5L gas sample was collected 30 min after the electrocautery
device was first used and was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Cancer risk was calculated for
carcinogenic compounds and hazard quotient was calculated for noncarcinogenic compounds using US
Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Twenty patients with a median age of 57.5 years were enrolled in the
study. Eighteen volatile organic compounds were detected by Japanese indoor air standards mix analysis. The cancer
risks were ethanol, 5.10 x 105 +/ 6.35 x 105; 1,2dichloroethane, 4.75 x 103 +/ 7.42 x 104; benzene, 1.09 x
103 +/ 4.33 x 104; ethylbenzene, 2.87 x 105 +/ 1.32 x 105; and styrene, 2.94 x 106 +/ 1.16 x 106. The
hazard quotients were acetone, 1.88 x 102 +/ 7.63 x 103; hexane, 1.48 x 101 +/ 8.70 x 102; benzene, 4.66
+/ 1.85; toluene, 2.61 x 102 +/ 7.23 x 103; pxylene, 1.81 x 101 +/ 6.45 x 102; oxylene, 2.40 x 102 +/
3.33 x 102; and styrene, 5.15 x 103 +/ 2.03 x 103. For five carcinogenic compounds detected, the cancer risk
was greater than negligible. For 1,2dichloroethane and benzene, the risk was classified as unacceptable. Analysis of
noncarcinogenic compounds showed that risk reduction measures are needed for benzene. Even though surgical
smoke is not an immediate health hazard, operating room personnel should be aware of the potential longterm
health risks associated with exposure. Abstract: PubMed
Choi SH et al; Surg Endosc 28 (8): 237480 (2014)
from HSDB
11.1.15 NonHuman Toxicity Excerpts
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Increased hepatic cytochrome p450 concentrations and reduced
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cytochrome C reductase activity occurred in rats exposed 3 days to 2000 ppm of
pxylene. In lung microsomes, cytochrome p450 content was decreased.
Toftgard R, Nilsen OG; Toxicol 23: 197212 (1982)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Xylene, a widely used industrial solvent, is a mixture of the o, m and p
isomers. The effects of each individual isomer, and a commercialgrade mixture of xylenes on 2 behavioral measures:
operant performance of 15 mice trained to leverpress under a DRL different reinforcement of low rates 10 sec
schedule, and motor performance of mice on an inverted screen test were studied. The 15 min operant sessions
immediately followed 30 min exposures to solvent vapors 5007000 ppm, or air, in static inhalation chambers. o, m,
p and Mixed xylenes produced similar biphasic effects on response rates, and concentration dependent decreases in
reinforcement rates. The lowest significantly effective concentration for each isomer on any variable was 1400 ppm,
where increases in response rates occurred. Halfmaximal response rate decreases /ranged from/ 5179 ppm oxylene
to 6176 ppm mxylene. The temporal distribution of responses was only moderately disrupted, even at high
concentrations. In other groups of mice, motor coordination was also disrupted by the xylenes in a concentration
dependent manner. Halfmaximal effective concentrations /ranged from/ 2676 ppm pxylene to 3790 ppm m
xylene. Abstract: PubMed
Moser VC et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 80 (2): 2938 (1985)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In rats exposed to 1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm pxylene in 4 hr, dosage
dependent increases were measured in serum concentrations of glutamicpyruvic transaminase GPT, glutamic
oxaloacetic transaminase GOT, glucose6phosphate dehydrogenase G6PDH, isocitrate dehydrogenase ICD,
lactate dehydrogenase LDH, glutathione reductase, and 5'nucleotidase. Glutamicpyruvic transaminase, and
glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase were elevated by even the lowest exposure. Surprisingly, serum cholinesterase was
increased by all exposure concentrations at the termination of the exposure, although there was no increase after 24
hr.
Press, Inc., 1991., p. 644
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Rats exposed 6 hr/day for 3 days to 2000 ppm of a xylene mixture of the o,
m, and p isomers showed an increase in hepatic cytochrome P450 and NADPHcytochrome c reductase. The p isomer
was less potent in inducing this effect than the other isomers or the mixture. Microsomes from lung and kidney also
showed increases in cytochrome P450 for the xylene mixture and isomers except the p isomer failed to induce
cytochrome P450 in microsomes from kidney.
Press, Inc., 1991., p. 644
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ When rats inhaled pxylene at 1000, 1500, or 2000 ppm for 4 hours, serum
enzyme activities increased; these changes were indicative of acute hepatocellular damage.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Animal studies using rats indicate that mixed xylene, mxylene, oxylene, or
pxylene generally induce a wide variety of hepatic enzymes, as well as increased hepatic cytochrome P450 content
in rats ... . Following acute exposures to mixed xylene ... , mxylene ... , oxylene ... , or pxylene ... , effects have been
observed including increased relative liver weight ... , cytochrome P450 content ... , microsomal protein ... ,
microsomal enzyme activity ... , proliferation of the endoplasmic reticulum ... , and decreased hexobarbital sleep time
... . Similar changes were observed in rabbits and mice ... . Although histopathological examination of livers in most
studies showed no adverse effects ... , minor histopathological changes suggesting mild hepatic toxicity included
decreased glycogen content, dilation of the cisterns of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, separation of ribosomes
from the membranes, variously shaped mitochondria, and increased autophagous bodies ... . Also, increased serum
transaminases were observed following a 4hour exposure of rats to 1,000 ppm pxylene...
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Adverse respiratory effects noted in rats, mice, and guinea pigs following
acute and intermediate inhalation exposure to xylene are similar to those observed in humans. They include
decreased respiration, labored breathing, irritation of the respiratory tract, pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage,
and pulmonary inflammation ... . Exposure to concentrations of 2,440 ppm mixed xylene for 6 minutes ... to 1,467 ppm
oxylene for 5 minutes ... , or to 1,361 ppm mxylene for 6 minutes ... produced a 50% decrease in respiratory rate in
mice. Comparison of the individual xylene isomers showed that the irritant effects of m and oxylene as quantified by
measurements of respiratory rate in mice are more pronounced than those of pxylene, with oxylene having the most
prolonged effect ... . In rats that died as a result of exposure to 9,900 ppm mixed xylene for 4 hours, atelectasis,
hemorrhage, and edema of the lungs were observed ... . Biochemical changes detected in the lungs after acute
duration intermittent exposure include transiently decreased lung surfactant levels at 300 ppm pxylene ... . and
decreased pulmonary microsomal enzyme activities at 2,000 ppm mixed xylene, 75 to 2,000 ppm mxylene, 2,000 ppm
oxylene, or 1,000 or 3,400 ppm pxylene ... . . The LOAEL of 75 ppm for mxylene was based on decreased P450 and
7ethoxycoumarin Odeethylase activities noted in the lungs of rats exposed for 24 hours ... . The decrease in
pulmonary microsomal activity by selective inactivation of enzymes can result from damage to lung tissue caused by
the toxic metabolite of xylene, a methylbenzaldehyde ... ; the selective inactivation of enzymes may also result in
anoxia.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A 4hr LC50 value in rats female SpragueDawley of 4740 ppm pxylene
has been reported. The corresponding 6hr value was 4591 ppm 43535049 ppm and for mice OF1 was 3907 ppm
37474015 ppm. The signs of toxicity were similar to those reported for the other two isomers. Like the other two
isomers, exposure to pxylene gave a biphasic CNS response. In another study, marked activation and tremor were
observed at concentrations between 400 and 1500 ppm pxylene in rats. The /CNS depressant/ threshold was 1940
ppm.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The oral LD50 values in rat have been reported to be 3608 mg/kg body
weight for oxylene, 5011 mg/kg body weight for mxylene and 4029 mg body weight for pxylene. For various
mixtures of xylenes oral LD50 values in rat have been reported to be between 3523 and 8700 mg/kg body weight. In
mice the corresponding values were reported to be 5627 mg/kg body weight for male and 5251 mg/kg body weight
for females. Signs of toxicity at lethal doses were CNS depression and congestion of cells in liver, kidney and spleen,
seen by histological examination.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In a study of levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the forebrain and
hypothalamus, SpragueDawley rats six males/group were exposed to 0 or 2000 ppm pxylene 6 hr/day for 3 days.
The animals were killed 1618 hr after the last exposure. In exposed animals there was a significant increase in
catecholamine levels and turnover in various parts of the hypothalamus. There was no effect on dopamine levels or
turnover in the forebrain.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In order to study the effect on cytochrome P450 and enzyme activities in
the liver, kidney and lung, SpragueDawley rats four males/group were exposed to 0 or 2000 ppm 6 hr/day for 3
days. In exposed animals there were significant increases in relative liver weight, in hepatic cytochrome P450 content,
in NADPHcytochrome c reductase activity in the liver and kidney, and in 7ethoxyresorufin Odeethylase activity in
the kidney. There was also a decrease in pulmonary cytochrome P450 content. To study the lung microsomal activity,
rabbits New Zealand White; four males/group were exposed to 0 or 1000 ppm pxylene 4 hr/day for 2 days. In
exposed animals there was a significant decrease in microsomal cytochrome P450 concentration and in NADPH
cytochrome c reductase activity. Inhibition of CYP2B1 has been observed in the lungs of rats dosed with pxylene.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Male Fischer344 rats exposed to 0 or 1600 ppm pxylene by inhalation, 6
hr/day, for 1 or 3 days did not produce overt hepatotoxicity but resulted in a significant increase in the concentration
of hepatic cytochrome P450. However, the concentration of hepatic cytochrome P450 had returned to control levels
within 2 to 3 days after exposure.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In order to study further the effects of pxylene, rats were given p
methylbenzyl alcohol PMBA or 2,5dimethylphenol DMP 300 mg/kg body weight and 150 mg/kg body weight,
respectively intraperitoneally once a day for 3 days. It was concluded that of the two metabolites, PMBA may have a
significant role in the inhibition of pulmonary cytochrome P450 caused by pxylene.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ No effect on absolute or relative lung weights was
observed in male rats intermittently exposed to mxylene at concentrations as high as 100 ppm for 13 weeks ... . No
histopathological changes in the lungs were evident in rats, dogs, guinea pigs, or monkeys following intermediate
exposure for 90 to 127 days to concentrations of 78 ppm oxylene on a continuous basis ... or 13 weeks to 810 ppm
mixed /xylenes/ or 6 weeks to 780 ppm oxylene, 5 weeks to 300 ppm mxylene, or for 5 days to 300 ppm pxylene on
an intermittent basis ... .
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Histological damage to the outer hair cells of the organ
of Corti provided evidence of ototoxicity in rats exposed by oral gavage to pxylene, but not m or oxylene, at a dose
of 900 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks ... . The losses of hair cells occurred in the area of the cochlea responsive
to medium frequencies 1025 kHz.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Groups of 20 male and 20 female SpragueDawley rats
were administered pxylene 99% purity by gavage in corn oil at doses of 0, 100, 200, or 800 mg/kgday for 90
consecutive days. Survival incidences were 20/20, 19/20, 17/20, and 16/20, respectively, for males and 20/20, 18/20,
18/20, and 17/20, respectively, for females. Mortality in highdose males attained statistical significance, and a
statistically significant trend was present in the male groups. Mottled lungs and/or a failure of the lungs to collapse
was observed in nearly all treated animals that died early but was not evident in any of the animals that survived to
study termination. It was determined that most of the unscheduled deaths were the result of test material aspiration,
as indicated by the presence of intraalveolar foreign material in the lungs that was generally associated with
pulmonary congestion. Treatmentrelated clinical signs were limited to increased salivation occurring just prior to
dosing that was resolved by 1hour post dosing in both highdose males and females. Body weight gains at 13 weeks
were slightly reduced in highdose males and females 89% of control levels, not statistically significant, and high
dose females had significantly increased food consumption for weeks 10 to 13 110%. No treatmentrelated effects
were observed in hematology or clinical chemistry parameters, ophthalmologic examination, or organ weights.
Histopathology revealed no abnormal findings in any tissue or organ. The NOAEL and LOAEL are identified as 200 and
800 mg/kgday, respectively, based on early mortality in male rats that showed signs of test material aspiration into
the lungs.
US EPA; Toxicological Review of Xylenes (CAS No. 1330207) In Support of Summary Information on the Integrated Risk
Information System (IRIS) p.25 (January 2003). Available from, as of July 19, 2016: https://www.epa.gov/iris
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Limited information was located regarding dermal
effects in animals. No adverse effects were noted during microscopic examination of the skin of rats and mice
administered mixed xylene 5 days/week at doses as high as 2,000 mg/kg in mice and 1,000 mg/kg for rats for an
intermediate 13 weeks period of time or as high as 1,000 mg/kg for mice and 500 mg/kg for rats for a chronic 103
weeks period of time ... . The skin of rats administered doses as high as 800 mg/kg/day of m or pxylene for 13
weeks appeared normal upon histopathological examination.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ CFY mice were exposed to pxylene at 150, 1500,
or 3000 mg/cu m, 24 hr/day from days 714 of gestation. Toxic effects were decr wt of fetuses, incr incidence of
skeletal retardation, & decr in activity of enzymes, succinic dehydrogenase, alkaline & acid phosphatase & glucose 6
phosphatase & changed characteristic features of functional maturity of the nephron, retardation of fetus was dose
related.
Ungvary G et al; Toxicol 18: 6174 (1980)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Xylene was administered to CD1 mice by gavage
as the m, o, or pisomer from days 615 of gestation at 0.30, 0.75, and 1.00 mg/kg body weight/dose, and from days
1215 of gestation at 1.00 mg/kg body weight/dose ... overt maternal toxicity and a significantly increased incidence
of resorptions among the offspring were noted only at the high dose level of mxylene, these adverse effects and an
increased incidence of cleft palate ... were noted at both the middle and high dose levels of o and pxylene. After
exposure from days 1215 of gestation to any isomer of xylene maternal toxicity was significantly increased; ...
increased ... incidence of malformations ... mostly cleft palates, were observed only with m or pxylene.
Staples RE, Nawrot RS; Soc of Toxicol 19th Annual Meeting, Abstracts of Papers p.A22 (1980)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ ... The effects of pxylene on uterine and ovarian
blood flow and on the peripheral blood levels of progesterone and 17betaestradiol in pregnant CFY rats /were
studied/. Inhalation esposures to 3,000 mg/cu m for 24 or 48 hr gestational day 10 or gestational days 9 and 10,
respectively did not alter the blood flow of gravid uteri in anesthetized animals; however, 48 hr exposures were
associated with slight nonsignificant decreases in ovarian venous flow and significant reductions in blood levels of
progesterone and 17betaestradiol. These effects were associated with significant reductions in fetal body weight;
however, maternal body weights or body weight changes were not reported.
Ungvary G et al; Toxicol 19: 2638 (1981)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Data obtained from rodents indicates that
maternal exposure to mixed xylenes or individual xylene isomers can have adverse effects on the conceptus. Fetotoxic
effects were reported following maternal inhalation exposure to mixed xylenes; altered enzyme activities were also
found in rat pups. Dermal application resulted in apparent changes in fetal enzyme activities, while oral treatment was
followed by prenatal mortality, growth inhibition, and malformations, primarily cleft palate. Maternal inhalation of
individual isomers was associated with all the above mentioned effects, with the exception of cleft palate. The o and
p isomers appeared more hazardous to the offspring than did the misomer. Malformations ie cleft palate
associated with mixed or individual isomers were primarily reported at maternally toxic doses. Abstract: PubMed
Hood RD, Ottley MS; Drug Chem Toxicol 8 (4): 28197 (1985)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Groups of 25 Sprague Dawley rats were exposed
by inhalation to 0, 3500, or 7000 mg/cu m paraxylene purity, 99% for 6 hours per day on days 716 of gestation,
and the offspring were evaluated for growth, viability and neurobehavioral development. The high dose level reduced
maternal weight gain during the exposure period, but growth, viability, locomotor activity and the acoustic startle
response of the offspring were not affected.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Pregnant SpragueDawley rats were exposed to
either 3500 or 7000 mg/cu m pxylene /for 6 hr/day/ from days 716 of gestation. Dams were allowed to give birth,
and litters were counted, weighed, and observed for external malformations on postnatal days 1 and 3. Litters were
normalized to 8 pups 4/sex on postnatal day 4. On postnatal day 21 animals were weaned and littermates housed by
sex. Body weights were recorded weekly until weaning and once every 2 wk thereafter. CNS development was
evaluated by acoustic startle response on postnatal days 13, 17, 21, and 63 as well as figure8 maze activity on days
22 and 65. Maternal weight gain during the treatment period was significantly less in the highdose group. No effects
were seen on litter size or weight at birth or on postnatal day 3. There were no effects of pxylene exposure on growth
rate. There were no treatmentrelated effects on acoustic startle response or figure8 maze activity. Thus, pxylene as
administered in this study does not appear to be a selective developmental toxicant in the rat. Abstract: PubMed
Rosen MB et al; Toxicol Lett 34 (23): 2239 (1986)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Results of a welldocumented comparative

standard developmental toxicity assay in rats exposed for 6 hours/day on gestational days 6 to 20, suggest that
developmental toxicities of m and pxylene are secondary to maternal toxicity ... . Statistically significant maternal
effects reduced "corrected weight gain" body weight gain exclusive of gravid uterus weight and fetal toxicity
reduced fetal weight occurred at exposures of >/=1,000 ppm, but not 500 ppm for these two isomers. Both m and
pxylene at 2,000 ppm induced significant increases in delayed ossification, a skeletal variation related to retarded
growth, although the affected bones were different for the two isomers. Dams exposed at >/=1,000 ppm to oxylene
or mixed xylenes showed similar effects, although the reduced corrected weight gain for mixed xylenes was only
significant for gestational days 613. However, both oxylene and mixed xylene caused significantly reduced fetal
body weights at 500 ppm, the maternal NOAEL. Exposure to mixed xylenes did not elicit any developmental structural
anomalies at concentrations as high as 2,000 ppm, whereas oxylene elicited increases in the percent of fetuses per
litter with skeletal variations incomplete ossification at 2,000 ppm and in the percent of fetuses with any variation at
1,000 ppm.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Groups of female rats CFY were exposed to 0, 34,
345 or 690 ppm oxylene 24 hr/day from day 7 to day 14 of gestation. The dams were killed on day 21. Some
ultrastructural changes in the liver and decreased weight gain during the exposure period were observed in the dams
exposed to 345 or 690 ppm. At these concentrations lower fetal body weight was observed, and at the highest dose
level delayed skeletal ossification was noted. There was no evidence of malformations. Similar results were obtained
when the animals were exposed to mxylene. With pxylene there were signs of delayed skeletal ossification at
exposure levels showing no maternal toxicity at 34 and 345 ppm. At 690 ppm, increased postimplantation loss of
fetuses and more retarded fetuses were observed.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ SpragueDawley rats were exposed to 0, 800 or
1600 ppm pxylene, 6 hr per day from day 7 to day 16 of gestation. The dams were allowed to deliver their young. In
the highest dose group the maternal weight gain was significantly reduced. Exposure to pxylene had no effects on
postnatal viability, offspring growth or function of the nervous system activity level and acoustic startle response at
any of the doses tested.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Mice CFLP were exposed to 0 or 115 ppm o
xylene for 4 hr, 3 times per day on day 6 to day 15 of gestation, and the dams were killed on day 18. Data concerning
maternal toxicity were not reported. There was evidence of delayed weight gain and skeletal ossification in the fetuses
of exposed animals. Similar results were obtained with mxylene and pxylene.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ When rabbits New Zealand White were exposed
to 0 or 115 ppm oxylene 24 hr/day from day 7 to day 20 of gestation, no maternal toxicity or incidence of delayed
development was observed in the exposed group. Similar results were observed with mxylene, but an increased
incidence of postimplantation loss was observed. Exposure to 115 ppm pxylene gave the same results as with o
xylene, but exposure to 230 ppm pxylene 24 hr/day resulted in no live fetuses one dam died, three aborted and in
four there was total resorption or fetal death in utero.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Xylene isomers m, o, or p were administered

by gavage to pregnant CD1 mice at apparent doses of 0, 0.3, 0.75, or 1.00 mL/kg three times daily on GDs 6 to 15 or
1.0 mL/kg three times daily on GDs 1215. Assuming a density of 860 mg/mL, these doses correspond to 0, 774, 1935,
and 2580 mg/kgday. The abstract mentioned a control group but did not specify the number of dams in the groups.
Exposure to the mid and high dose of o or pxylene and the high dose of mxylene during GDs 6 to 15 resulted in
overt maternal toxicity not otherwise specified and a significantly increased incidence of resorptions. The mid and
highdose o or p xyleneexposed groups GDs 6 to 15 additionally had an increased incidence of cleft palate the
actual incidence was not cited. Exposure to 2580 mg/kgday of any isomer during GDs 12 to 15 resulted in a
significant increase in maternal lethality, with exposure to p or mxylene additionally resulting in a significant increase
in the incidence of malformations, consisting mostly of cleft palate. Subsequent studies on the developmental effects
of mxylene were conducted: mice were administered mxylene at doses of 1935 or 2580 mg/kgday during GDs 12
to 15 or 6 to 15. Although exposure to mxylene during GDs 12 to 15 did not result in overt toxicity at the low dose
and did not significantly increase the incidence of malformations, exposure during GDs 6 to 15 did result in a low
4.4% vs. 0.0% in vehicle controls but statistically significant increase in cleft palate in only the highdose group, in the
absence of overt maternal toxicity.
US EPA; Toxicological Review of Xylenes (CAS No. 1330207) In Support of Summary Information on the Integrated Risk
Information System (IRIS) p.33 (January 2003). Available from, as of July 19, 2016: https://www.epa.gov/iris
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Neurotoxicity/ Xylene and its derivatives are raw materials widely used in industry and
known to be toxic to animals. However, the mechanism underlying the neurotoxicity of paraxylene PX to the central
nervous system CNS in vivo is less clear. Here, we exposed Xenopus laevis tadpoles to sublethal concentrations of
PX during the critical period of brain development to determine the effects of PX on Xenopus development and visual
behavior. We found that the abnormality rate was significantly increased with exposure to increasing concentrations
of PX. In particular, the number of apoptotic cells in the optic tectum was dramatically increased with exposure to PX
at 2mM. Longterm PX exposure also resulted in significant deficits in visually guided avoidance behavior. Strikingly,
coincubation with PX and dglucuronolactone GA decreased the number of apoptotic cells and rescued the
avoidance behavior. Furthermore, we found that the acetylation of H3K9 H3K9ac and the dimethylation of H4K12
H4K12me2 in the optic tectum were significantly increased in PXtreated animals, and these effects were suppressed
by GA treatment. In particular, the increase in apoptotic cells in PXtreated brains was also inhibited by GA treatment.
These effects indicate that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in PXinduced apoptosis and animal behavior. In an
effort to characterize the neurotoxic effects of PX on brain development and behavior, these results suggest that the
neurotoxicity of PX requires further evaluation regarding the safety of commercial and industrial uses. Abstract:
PubMed
Gao J et al; Neuroscience pii: S 03064522 (16): 302573 (2016)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Neurotoxicity/ To evaluate the possibility that pxylene affects cognitive behavior, male
LongEvans hooded rats inhaled pxylene at concentration of 0 or 1600 ppm, 4 hr per day for 1 to 5 days, and were
evaluated after exposure on two learning tasks and a test of motor activity. Autoshaping was carried out across 5
successive days with pxylene exposure in the morning followed by testing in the afternoon. For this test, the
retraction of single response lever on a variabletime 35sec schedule was followed by delivery of a food pellet. When
the force required to depress the lever was low 0.10 N, response acquisition was faster in animals having inhaled
1600 ppm pxylene than in airexposed controls, When the force was increased to 0.20 N, however, pxyleneexposed
rats acquired the response no faster than controls. In contrast, inhaled pxylene at 1600 ppm suppressed response
rates in an automaintained reversal learning paradigm without affecting reversal rate. Studied of motor activity
showed that while verticallydirected activity was unaffected by pxylene, horizontallydirected activity was incr by
about 30% for the first 15 min of each daily 25min test. Abstract: PubMed
Bushnell PJ; Neurotoxicol Teratol 10 (6): 56977 (1988)
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Neurotoxicity/ In a study of the effect on learning tasks and motor activity, rats Long Evans
were exposed to 0 or 1600 ppm pxylene for 4 hr. Signs of toxicity unsteadiness and fine tremor disappeared 30 min
postexposure. The results indicate an effect on motor control rather than on cognitive capacity.
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Neurotoxicity/ Clinical signs consistent with central nervous system toxicity have been
observed in rats and mice following oral exposure to mixed xylene. A single oral dose of 4,000 mg/kg caused
incoordination, prostration, decreased hindleg movement, and hunched posture in rats and tremors, prostration,
and/or slowed breathing in mice ... . In 13week gavage assays in rats, neurotoxic signs included hyperactivity,
convulsions, salivation, and epistaxis following exposure to 800 mg/kg/day m or pxylene ... and increased
aggression following exposure to 1,500 mg/kg/day mixed xylenes ... . Clinical signs observed in mice in the hour after
gavage dosing with mixed xylenes included weakness, lethargy, unsteadiness, tremors, and partial paralysis of
hindlimbs at 2,000 mg/kg in a 13week assay and hyperactivity at 1,000 mg/kg beginning week 4 in 13week and 2
year assays ... . Mild sedation at 2,000 mg/kg and increases in latency of several peaks in flashevoked potentials at
doses of 250 mg/kg and higher were observed following single doses of pxylene; no effect was seen at 125
mg/kg/day.
DHHS ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes (Update) (PB2008100008) p.1067 (August 2007). Available from, as of July 19,
from HSDB
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Neurotoxicity/ Results of experimental studies with animals also provide evidence that
mixed xylene and its isomers are neurotoxic following inhalation exposure. Signs of neurotoxicity observed in rats,
mice, dogs, cats, and gerbils following acute and intermediate inhalation exposure to the various xylene isomers
include /CNS depression/, prostration, incoordination, tremors, muscular spasms, labored breathing, behavioral
changes, hyperreactivity to stimuli, altered visual evoked potentials, elevated auditory thresholds, hearing loss, and
decreased acetylcholine in midbrain and norepinephrine in hypothalamus suggestive of effect on motor control,
sleep, and memory maintenance. Exposure levels associated with neurological effects in animals are well defined. A
comparative study determined that the minimal alveolar concentrations needed to induce anesthesia in rats were
similar for all three isomers 0.00118, 0.00139, and 0.00151 atm, respectively, for o, m, and pxylene, but only p
xylene also induced excitation strong tremors...
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ Mixed xylenes and the xylene isomers have been tested in both in vitro and in vivo assays and are
substantially nongenotoxic. In vitro studies of mixed xylenes and xylene isomers in bacterial cells, including
Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, for mutation or DNA damage with and without
metabolic activation were negative, as was a mitotic gene conversion study in yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, D4.
Although most Salmonella studies were performed using plate incorporation, /one/ study employed a suspension
assay as well in order to optimize interaction between bacteria and mixed xylenes; no increase in gene mutation was
observed by either method.
July 19, 2016: https://java.epa.gov/chemview
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ ... Each xylene isomer /was administered/ to male NMRI rats intraperitoneally in 2 similar doses, 24
hours apart over a range of concentrations from 0, 0.120.75 mL/kg 105650 mg/kg and evaluated femoral bone
marrow 30 hours after the first injection. No increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was observed for
any xylene isomer or for ethylbenzene which was also tested at any dose level.
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ pXylene was nonmutagenic using the Ames assay. It did not revert Salmonella typhimurium strains
TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98, & TA100 either with or without metabolic activation by S9 mix derived from livers of
treated or untreated rats.
Bos RP et al; Mutation Research 88: 2739 (1981)
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ Genotoxic effects of 5 widely used aromatic industrial solvents, ethylbenzene, toluene, oxylene, m
xylene and pxylene, on bone marrow cells of male NMRI mice were studied using the micronucleus test. Each
compound was given to animals by ip administration of 2 similar doses 24 hr apart. Increased formation of
micronuclei within polychromatic erythrocytes of femoral bone marrow 30 hr after the first injection was conducted
was apparently due to the clastogenic effect of the test cmpd. Of the chem tested, only toluene gave a dose
dependent increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Abstract: PubMed
Mohtashamipur E et al; Arch Toxicol 58 (2): 1069 (1985)
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ Mixed xylenes or the individual isomers were not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains
TA97, TA98, TA100, TA1535, or TA1537 either in the presence or absence of induced rat or hamster hepatic S9
activation.
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ The preponderance of data from testing in vivo ... and in vitro ... indicates that xylenes are not
mutagenic and do not induce chromosomal anomalies. A few studies indicate that DNA fragmentation may occur if
cells are exposed to levels that cause cytotoxicity, presumably related to the activity of nucleases within dying cells. ...
Mixed xylene, and the individual xylene isomers, have been tested for genotoxicity in a variety of short term in vitro
assays. Results of standard mutagenicity assays indicate that mixed xylene and xylene isomers are not mutagenic in
bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells ... . Mixed xylenes did not induce umu gene expression, part of the SOS response
to DNA damage, in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 ... . Mixed xylene did not induce chromosomal
anomalies chromosomal aberrations or sister chromatid exchanges in cultured mammalian cells ... . Mixed xylenes
did not enhance the adenovirus transformation of hamster embryo cells ... . In summary, genotoxicity studies on
mixed xylene and the individual isomers of xylene have provided consistently negative results in a variety of in vitro
and in vivo assays and test systems bacteria, yeast, insects, cultured mammalian cells, mice, rats, and humans. Thus,
there is sufficient evidence to conclude that mixed xylene, mxylene, oxylene, and pxylene are nonmutagenic.
DHHS ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes (Update) (PB2008100008) p.117, 1212 (August 2007). Available from, as of July 19,
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ No mutagenic activity was demonstrated for any of the various metabolites of xylene in bacterial
test systems. Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, and TA1538, with and without S9
metabolic activation... /including pxylenol ... , mxylenol ... , and omethylbenzyl alcohol ... /Xylene metabolites/.
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ For Escherichia coli WP2 uvr A, pxylene was not mutagenic in the presence or absence of an
exogenous metabolic system from PCBinduced rat liver.
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ None of the isomers induced micronuclei in the bone marrow of male NMRI mice after two ip
administrations of 105650 mg/kg body weight at a 24hr interval, but they did, however, enhance the induction of
micronuclei by toluene.
from HSDB
/GENOTOXICITY/ None of the isomers nor unspecified xylene was mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium TA1535,
TA1537, TA98, TA100, UTH 8413 or UTH8414 in the presence or absence of a metabolic system from uninduced or
Arochlorinduced rat and hamster livers.
from HSDB
/IMMUNOTOXICITY/ Mice exposed to pxylene at concentrations of 0, 600, or 1200 ppm, 6 hours/day for 4 days, did
not exhibit adverse effects on splenic natural killer NK cell activity by exposure to concentrations as high as 1200
ppm. Significant synergistic effects between cytomegalovirus administered concurrently and 1200 ppm pxylene were
seen at four but not at seven days postinfection, including serum SGPT, SGOT, and LDH activities indicative of liver
damage. Significant increases in SGTP and LDH due to virus alone and in cholinesterase due to pxylene were still
apparent seven days postinfection. No synergistic effect was seen in serum enzymes following exposure to 600 ppm
pxylene. Paraxylene significantly enhanced and virus significantly suppressed P450 levels measured four days post
infection. Increased mortality appeared to be due to synergistic effects of virus and pxylene in the liver, and not to
immunosuppression.
from HSDB
/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ This study assessed effects of exposure to pxylene ... on mice infected with murine
cytomegalovirus, a mouse model for a common human virus. It was postulated that adverse health effects could occur
as a results of 1 enhanced infection due to xyleneinduced immune suppression, 2 increased pxylene toxicity due
to viral suppression of cytochrome P450, and/or 3 additive or synergistic effects on liver function due to tissue
injury by both pxylene and murine cytomegalovirus. Mice were exposed to filtered air, 600 or 1200 ppm pxylene 6
hr/day for 4 day and infected with a sublethal dose of murine cytomegalovirus after the first exposure. No deaths
occurred among uninfected, pxyleneexposed mice or infected, airexposed mice; 34% and 0% mortality occurred
respectively in infected mice exposed to 1200 and 600 ppm pxylene. Virus titers in the liver and splenic natural killer
cell activity were unaffected by exposure to 1200 ppm pxylene. Small but significant increases in serum aspartate
aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities ... were observed at 4 days
postinfection. pXylene exposure had no effect on these serum enzyme activities in uninfected mice, but 1200 ppm
potentiated this effect in infected mice. Murine cytomegalovirus significantly suppressed and pxylene significantly
increased total P450 levels in the liver, but there was no significant interaction between the two. Isozymes 1A1,
2B1/B2, and 2E1 were decreased to a similar degree, suggesting that the virus does not target specific isozymes.
Enhanced mortality was not due to immune suppression. While pxylenepotentiated liver damage was caused by the
virus, the magnitude of serum enzyme activities indicates that this damage was not a likely cause of death. Abstract:
PubMed
Selgrade MK et al; J Toxicol Environ Health 40 (1): 12944 (1993)
from HSDB
/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ LongEvans hooded rats were exposed to single doses of toluene PO at 0, 250,
500 and 1000 mg/kg, to pxylene PO at 0, 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, and to inhalation of pxylene for 4
hr at 0, 800 or 1600 ppm. The functional integrity of the visual system was evaluated using flashevoked potentials
FEPs. The data indicated a significant depression in amplitude of FEP peak N3 at 250 mg/kg and higher dosages of
toluene and pxylene. A similar depression in peak N3 amplitude was observed following inhalation exposure to 1600
ppm pxylene. The effects produced by oral administration of 500 mg/kg pxylene or toluene lasted at least 8 hr,
while the effect of inhaled pxylene dissipated within 75 min of removal from the exposure. FEP peak N3 is presumed
to be related to arousal, such that increases in arousal from a relaxed state should decrease amplitude. Rats
administered amphetamine in dosages of 0.6, 1.2 and 2.5 mg/kg known to increase arousal also had reduced N3
amplitude. ... Abstract: PubMed
Dyer RS et al; Neurotoxicol Teratol 10 (2): 147153 (1988)
from HSDB
11.1.16 NonHuman Toxicity Values
LD50 Rat oral 4029 mg/kg bw

from HSDB
LD50 Mice ip 2110 mg/kg

NJ. 2004., p. 3702
from HSDB
LD50 Rat ip 3810 mg/kg

NJ. 2004., p. 3702
from HSDB
LC50 Rat inhal 4550 ppm/4 hr

NJ. 2004., p. 3702
from HSDB
LD50 Rat oral 5 g/kg

NJ. 2004., p. 3702
from HSDB
LC50 Mouse inhalation 3900 ppm for 6 hr exposure.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological
Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991., p. 1732
from HSDB
11.1.17 Ecotoxicity Values
LC100; Species: Tetrahymena pyriformis Ciliate; Concentration: 3.77 mmole/L for 24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not
specified/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data of Organic Chemicals. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1983.,
p. 1194
from HSDB
LC50; Species: Crangon franciscorum Shrimp; Concentration: 2.0 ppm for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not
specified/
p. 1194
from HSDB
EC50; Species: Chlamydomonas angulosa Green algae age 7296 hr exponential growth phase, 5X10+4 cells/mL;
Conditions: static, 19 deg C, pH 6.5; Concentration: 430 mmol/cu m for 3 hr; Effect: physiology, photosynthesis
/formulated product/
Hutchinson TC et al; Environ Sci Res 16: 57786 (1980) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of July 18, 2016:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ecotox/quick_query.htm
from HSDB
EC50; Species: Chlorella vulgaris Green algae age 34 days exponential growth phase, 20X10+4 cells/mL; Conditions:
static, 19 deg C, pH 6.5; Concentration: 990 mmol/cu m for 3 hr; Effect: physiology, photosynthesis /formulated
product/
Hutchinson TC et al; Environ Sci Res 16: 57786 (1980) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of July 18, 2016:
from HSDB
EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata Green algae; Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 3200 ug/L
for 72 hr; Effect: growth, general
Galassi S et al; Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 16 (2): 15869 (1988) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of July 18, 2016:
from HSDB
EC50; Species: Daphnia magna Water flea; Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 3600 ug/L for 24 hr; Effect:
intoxication, immobilization
from HSDB
LC50; Species: Oncorhynchus mykiss Rainbow trout; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 12 deg C, dissolved oxygen >or
=80%; Concentration: 2600 ug/L for 96 hr
from HSDB
LC50; Species: Poecilia reticulata Guppy; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 21 deg C, dissolved oxygen >or =80%;
Concentration: 8800 ug/L for 96 hr
from HSDB
LC50; Species: Poecilia reticulata Guppy 35 ppm for 7 day /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
p. 1194
from HSDB
EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata Green algae, exponential growth phase; Conditions: freshwater, static;
Concentration: 4400 ug/L for 8 days; Effect: growth, general
Herman DC et al; Aquat Toxicol 18 (2): 87100 (1990) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of July 20, 2016:
from HSDB
EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata Green Algae; Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 3200 ug/L
for 72 hr; Effect: growth, general
from HSDB
LC50; Species: Carassius auratus Goldfish length 6.2 cm; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 deg C, pH 7.8, dissolved
oxygen > or =4.0 mg/L; Concentration: 18000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulation/
Bridie AL et al; Water Res 13 (7): 6236 (1979) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of July 20, 2016:
from HSDB
LC50; Species: Morone saxatilis Striped bass juvenile, weight 6.0 g; Conditions: saltwater, static, 16 deg C, salinity 25
ppt; Concentration: 2 uL/L for 24 or 96 hr />99% purity/
Benville PE Jr, Korn S; Calif Fish Game 63 (4): 2049 (1977) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available from, as of July 20, 2016:
from HSDB
TLm; Species: Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill; Concentration: 22 ppm for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS Hazardous Chemical Data. Manual Two. Washington, DC: U.S.
Government Printing Office, Oct., 1978.
from HSDB
LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas Fathead minnow age 30 days, 0.093 g wet weight; Conditions: freshwater, static,
21.7 deg C, pH 7.22, hardness 51.1 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 50.2 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen 73.4%; Concentration:
8400 ug/L for 96 hr 95% confidence interval: 72009900 ug/L /99% purity/
Brooke L.; Center for Lake Superior Environ Stud, Univ of WisconsinSuperior: 24 (1987) as cited in the ECOTOX database. Available
from, as of July 20, 2016: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ecotox/quick_query.htm
from HSDB
TLm; Species: Pimephales promelas Fathead minnow; Concentration: 2729 mg/L for 2496 hr /Conditions of
bioassay not specified/
p. 1194
from HSDB
11.1.18 National Toxicology Program Reports
... Xylenes, the individual isomers oxylene, mxylene, and pxylene, were not mutagenic when tested with or without
metabolic activation in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100, TA135, TA97, or TA98 with the preincubation protocol.
NTP; Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Xylenes (Mixed) p.5 Report No TR 327 (1986) NIH Pub No 872583
from HSDB
11.1.19 TSCA Test Submissions
In an acute toxicity study, male Charles River rats 5/group were given single gavage exposures to pxylene. The
animals were observed for up to 14 days following exposure. Exposure levels of 2.025, 3.038, 4.556, and 6.834 g/kg
resulted in the following mortality results number of deaths: 0, 0, 2, and 4, respectively. Most of the deaths occurred
within 2 days. The LD50 is 5.145 g/kg. Gross pathological examination of the animals which died during the study
revealed gastroenteritis and pale, discolored kidneys whereas examination of the survivors did not reveal any
pathologic alterations. Reactions observed at all dose levels included hypoactivity and rhinitis. At 3.038 g/kg and
above, the animals also exhibited ruffed fur, muscular weakness, salivation, and tremors. At 4.556 g/kg and above, the
animals also exhibited prostration and hemorrhagic lacrimation.
Industrial BIOTEST Laboratories, Inc; Acute Oral Toxicity Study in Albino Rats, Mice and Guinea Pigs. (1975), EPA Document No.
87800120, Fiche No. OTS0200202
from HSDB
In an acute toxicity study, male and female albino rabbits 2/sex/group, strain not reported were given single dermal
exposures on abraded skin to pxylene at dose levels of 200 and 3,160 mg/kg. The animals were observed for 14 days
following exposure. None of the animals died during the study. The test material was severely irritating to the skin
with the skin changes at 24 hours being characterized by red, welldefined erythema, mild edema, and second degree
burns. Escharosis was noted at 7 and 14 days. No gross tissue pathology except for the local skin changes was
observed at autopsy which could be attributed to the test material.
Industrial BIOTEST Laboratories, Inc; Acute Dermal Toxicity Study in Albino Rats, Mice and Guinea Pigs. (1975), EPA Document No.
87800120, Fiche No. OTS0200202
from HSDB
In an acute toxicity study, male and female Charles River rats 3 males and 2 females/control group, 5/sex/treated
group were given single inhalation exposures to pxylene at a nominal concentration of 34.7 mg/liter for 6 hours. The
animals were observed for 14 days following exposure. The exposure atmospheres were produced by passing a
stream of clean, dry air through undiluted test material at ambient temperature. None of the animals died during the
study and 14day body weight gains were comparable for the treated and control animals. The treated animals
exhibited tremors and exophthalmos during the study. No gross tissue pathology was observed at autopsy which
could be attributed to the test material.
Industrial BIOTEST Laboratories, Inc; Acute Vapor Inhalation Toxicity Study in Albino Rats, Mice and Guinea Pigs. (1975), EPA
Document No. 87800120, Fiche No. OTS0200202
from HSDB
In an acute toxicity study, male and female Charles River mice 3 males and 2 females/control group, 5/sex/treated
group were given single inhalation exposures to pxylene at a nominal concentration of 34.7 mg/liter for 6 hours. The
animals were observed for 14 days following exposure. The exposure atmospheres were produced by passing a
stream of clean, dry air through undiluted test material at ambient temperature. One of the treated female animals
died during the study and advanced autolysis was found in this mouse during gross pathological examination. No
gross tissue pathology was observed in the surviving animals at autopsy which could be attributed to the test
material. The 14day body weight gains were comparable for the treated and control animals. The treated animals
exhibited tremors during the study.
from HSDB
In an acute toxicity study, male and female Charles River guinea pigs 3 males and 2 females/control group,
5/sex/treated group were given single inhalation exposures to pxylene at a nominal concentration of 34.7 mg/liter
for 6 hours. The animals were observed for 14 days following exposure. The exposure atmospheres were produced by
passing a stream of clean, dry air through undiluted test material at ambient temperature. None of the animals died
during the study and 14day body weight gains were comparable for the treated and control animals. The treated
animals exhibited tremors during the study. No gross tissue pathology was observed at autopsy which could be
attributed to the test material.
from HSDB
An acute inhalation toxicity study was conducted with groups of male and female albino Wistar rats 3/sex/group
receiving whole body exposure to the vapors of pxylene in a dynamic air flow chamber. The vapor was generated in a
glass flask containing the test substance maintained at 20 +/ 1 degrees celsius. Maximum exposure was for 7 hours,
but if deaths occurred during either the exposure period or observation period, exposures were repeated at shorter
intervals. During the 7 hour exposure, all the animals died during the exposure. Therefore the test was repeated, and
two additional test were preformed at exposure times of 1 hour and 30 minutes. No deaths were reported for the 30
minute group rats. For the 1 hour exposed animals, 2 males died on the day 1 and 1 female died on day 6 of the
observation period. During all exposures animals were observed with body tremors, lachrymation, salivation, agitation,
semicomatose, comatose, CheyneStokes breathing, facial and eye twitching, involuntary muscle spasms and hind
leg paddling action. One hour group survivors appeared to recover by day 13 and 30 minute animals recovered
rapidly after exposure. The theoretical saturated concentration of pxylene at 20 degrees celsius was calculated to be
8560ppm and the concentrations by weight loss estimation was calculated to be 8800, 9100 and 9000ppm for the 7, 1
and 0.5 hour exposure, respectively.
Shell Toxicology Laboratory (Tunstall); Test Standardization: Inhalation Toxicity testing of 8 Chemical According to the OECD
Inhalation Hazard Test, (1982), EPA Document No. 878212113, Fiche No. OTS0205969
from HSDB
pXylene CAS# 106423 was evaluated for carcinogenicity. The test substance was painted on the hairless skin of
the backs of C3H/HeJ male mice 40/group, 3 times a week, until death ensued 25months. One brushful of test
material undiluted was applied at each painting. The brush delivered between 0.01 and 0.02 grams per mouse per
application. It was concluded that tumorigenicity was negative with only 1 tumor papilloma detected.
UNION CARBIDE CORP; Init Sub: Evaluation of Skin Cancer Potential of Alkylbenzene, Light and Heavy Residues; A Mother Liquor
from Pyrolysis of Pxylene; and UCON 50HB260 in Mice WLetter 07/28/92; 11/29/67; EPA Doc. No. 88920004576; Fiche No.
OTS0537557
from HSDB
11.2 Ecological Information
11.2.1 ICSC Environmental Data
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

from ILOICSC
11.2.2 Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary
4Xylene's production and use in the synthesis of terephthalic acid for polyester resins and fibers and in the
manufacture of vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and insecticides may result in its release to the environment through
various waste streams. 4Xylene may be released into the environment through emissions from petroleum refining,
through the use of gasoline and diesel engines, and through leaks and evaporation losses during the transport and
storage of gasoline and other fuels. It is emitted to air from burning wood and in motor vehicle exhaust. The
compound is a component of coal tar and gasoline. 4Xylene occurs naturally in petroleum and is released during
forest fires and occurs in various plants. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 8.84 mm Hg at 25 deg C indicates 4
xylene will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vaporphase 4xylene will be degraded in the atmosphere by
reaction with photochemicallyproduced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals; the halflives for these reaction in air is
estimated to be 26 hours and 65 days respectively. 4Xylene has been detected in rainwater and snow and, therefore,
it may be removed from the air by wet deposition. 4Xylene does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore,
is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, 4xylene is expected to have
moderate mobility based upon Koc values ranging from 246540. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to
be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.90X103 atmcu m/mole. 4Xylene is expected
to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. 4Xylene biodegrades in soil and water under both
aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Biodegradation is an important process in subsurface soils and groundwater where
volatilization is hindered. Utilizing a standard test manometric respirometry, 90% of the theoretical biodegradation
was reached in 4 weeks indicating 4xylene can be readily biodegradable. However, under anaerobic conditions, a
long lag period may be required before degradation commences. If released into water, 4xylene is expected to
adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to
be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization halflives for
a model river and model lake are 3.1 hours and 4.1 days, respectively. BCF values of 15 and 19 suggests the potential
for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate
process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Photooxidation
may have some importance in surface waters exposed to sunlight. Occupational exposure to 4xylene may occur
through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 4xylene is produced or used.
Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to 4xylene via inhalation of ambient air,
inhalation of wood smoke, ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with consumer products
containing 4xylene. Contact with xylene occurs from a variety of consumer products, including gasoline, paint,
varnish, shellac, rust preventives and cigarette smoke. SRC
from HSDB
11.2.3 Natural Occurring Sources
4Xylene in combination with the other xylene isomers occurs naturally in petroleum1 and is released during forest
fires1,2. 4Xylene occurs in various plants3 and is emitted in volatile emissions from corn, alfalfa and cereal
silage4. Mixed xylenes are present in petroleum stocks and natural gas in small quantities5.
(1) ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service
(2007). Available from, as of June 21, 2016: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp (2) Graedel TE; Chemical Compounds in
the Atmosphere. NY,NY Academic Press p.108 (1978) (3) US Dept Agric; US Dept Agric, Agric Res Service. 19922016. Dr. Duke's
Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. pXylene. Available from, as of Sept 28, 2016:
https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/search (4) Malkina IL et al; J Environ Qual 49: 2836 (2011) (5) IARC; Monographs on
the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for
Research on Cancer, 1972Present. Xylenes. 47: 129 (1989)
from HSDB
11.2.4 Artificial Sources
4Xylene's production and use in the synthesis of terephthalic acid for polyester resins and fibers and in the
manufacture of vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and insecticides1 may result in its release to the environment through
various waste streamsSRC. 4Xylene may be released into the environment through emissions from petroleum
refining, through the use of gasoline and diesel engines, and through leaks and evaporation losses during the
transport and storage of gasoline and other fuels2. 4Xylene is a component of coal tar2. 4Xylene is emitted to air
from burning wood3 and in motor vehicle exhaust46.
(1) Larranaga MD et al; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 16th ed., Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p.1435 (2016) (2)
ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service
(2007). Available from, as of June 21, 2016: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp (3) Schauer JJ et al; Environ Sci Technol
35: 171628 (2001) (4) Tang TT et al; Environ Sci Technol 41: 503743 (2007) (5) Schauer JJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 36: 116980
(2002) (6) Yao Z et al; Atmos Environ 103: 8793 (2015)
from HSDB
In a survey of 62 cars, present in exhaust of gasoline engines at 1.9 vol% of emitted hydrocarbons; in exhaust of diesel
engines at 1.9% emitted hydrocarbons; in reciprocating gasoline engine at 1.3% of emitted hydrocarbons; and in
rotary gasoline engine at 5.6% of emitted hydrocarbons. /m and pxylene/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. Volumes 12. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, NY.
2001, p. 2192
from HSDB
11.2.5 Environmental Fate
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme1, Koc values ranging from of 20454024, indicate that 4
xylene is expected to have moderate to low mobility in soilSRC. Volatilization of 4xylene from moist soil surfaces is
expected to be an important fate processSRC given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.90X103 atmcu
m/mole5. 4Xylene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfacesSRC based upon a vapor pressure of 8.84 mm Hg
at 25 deg C6. Biodegradation is an important fate process under acclimated conditions7 and in subsurface soils and
groundwater where volatilization is hindered8. 4Xylene is expected to biodegrade in soil under both aerobic and
anaerobic conditions8 and has been observed to biodegrade in standard biodegradability tests using various
inocula9. For example, using OECD Guideline 301F Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test with a
mixture of sewage, soil and natural water inoculum, 4xylene reached 90% of its O2 consumption in 28 days which
classified 4xylene as readily biodegradable9. Biodegradation proceeds more slowly under anaerobic conditions as is
evidenced by about 50% removal of 4xylene after several months using nitrateamended soil column10. Under
anaerobic conditions, a long lag period may be required before xylene degradation commences11.
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 1728 (1983) (2) Walton BT et al; J Environ Qual 21: 552558 (1992) (3) Abdul AS et al; Hazard
Waste Hazard Mater 4: 21122 (1987) (4) Schuurmann G et al; Environ Sci Technol 40: 70057011 (Supporting information) (2006)
(5) Foster P et al; Fresen Environ Bull 3: 318323 (1994) (6) Chao J et al; J Phys Chem Ref Data 12: 103363 (1983) (7) Aronson D et
al; Aerobic biodegradation of organic chemicals in environmental media. SRCTR99002. Atlanta, GA: US EPA. pp. 6670 (1999) (8)
ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service
(2007). Available from, as of June 21, 2016: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp (9) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. pXylene
(CAS 106423) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 27, 2016:
http://echa.europa.eu/ (10) Anid PJ et al; Wat Res 27: 68591 (1993) (11) Kuhn EP et al; Environ Sci Tech 19: 9618 (1985)
from HSDB
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme1, Koc values ranging from 20454024, indicate that 4xylene may
adsorb to suspended solids and sedimentSRC. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected5 based upon a Henry's
Law constant of 6.90X103 atmcu m/mole6. Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method5,
volatilization halflives for a model river and model lake are 3.1 hours and 4.1 days, respectivelySRC. According to a
classification scheme7, a BCF values of 158and 199, suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic
organisms is lowSRC. Biodegradation is an important process in groundwater where volatilization is hindered10. 4
Xylene has been observed to biodegrade in standard biodegradability tests using various inocula11. For example,
using OECD Guideline 301F Ready Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test with a mixture of sewage, soil
and natural water inoculum, 4xylene reached 90% of its O2 consumption in 28 days which classified 4xylene as
readily biodegradable11. However, under anaerobic conditions, a long lag period may be required before xylene
degradation commences12. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this
compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions5. Irradiation studies using humic
substances13 suggest photooxidation of xylene may have some environmental importance in natural surface waters
exposed to sunlightSRC.
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 1728 (1983) (2) Walton BT et al; J Environ Qual 21: 552558 (1992) (3) Abdul AS et al; Hazard
Waste & Hazard Mater 4: 21122 (1987) (4) Schuurmann G et al; Environ Sci Technol 40: 70057011 (Supporting information)
(2006) (5) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 74,75, 151
to 1529 (1990) (6) Foster P et al; Fresen Environ Bull 3: 318323 (1994) (7) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 150114 (1994) (8)
Park JH, Lee HJ; Chemosphere 26: 190516 (1993) (9) Sacan MT et al; J Chem Inf Comput Sci 44: 985992 (2004) (10) ATSDR;
Toxicological Profile for Xylenes. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service (2007).
Available from, as of June 21, 2016: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp (11) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. pXylene (CAS
106423) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 27, 2016: http://echa.europa.eu/
(12) Kuhn EP et al; Environ Sci Tech 19: 9618 (1985) (13) BeyerlePfnur R et al; Toxicol Environ Chem 2021: 12934 (1989)
from HSDB
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the
atmosphere1, 4xylene, which has a vapor pressure of 8.84 mm Hg at 25 deg C2, is expected to exist solely as a
vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vaporphase 4xylene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with
photochemicallyproduced hydroxyl radicalsSRC; the halflife for this reaction in air is estimated to be 26 hoursSRC,
calculated from its rate constant of 1.43X1011 cu cm/moleculesec at 25 deg C3. Vaporphase 4xylene is degraded
slowly in the atmosphere by reaction with nighttime nitrate radicalsSRC; the halflife for this reaction in air is
estimated to be 65 daysSRC, calculated from its rate constant of 4.53X1016 cu cm/moleculesec at 25 deg C4. 4
Xylene has been detected in rainwater and snow5,6, and therefore, it may be removed from the air by wet
depositionSRC. 4Xylene does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm7 and, therefore, is not expected to be
susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlightSRC.
(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361367 (1988) (2) Chao J et al; J Phys Chem Ref Data 12: 103363 (1983) (3) Atkinson R,
Arey J; Chem Rev 103: 46054638 (2003) (4) NIST; NIST Chemistry WebBook. 4Xylene (106423). NIST Gas Phase Kinetics
Database No. 69, Sept 2013 Release. Washington, DC: US Sec Commerce. Available from, as of June 24, 2016:
http://webbook.nist.gov (5) Ligocki MP et al; Atmos Environ 19: 160917 (1985) (6) Fries E et al; Sci Total Environ 391: 269277
(2008) (7) Thomas O, Burgress C; UVvisible Spectrophotometry of Water and Wastewater, 1st ed., Oxford, UK: Elsevier Sciences, p.
67 (2007)
from HSDB
11.2.6 Biodegredation
AEROBIC: In general, it has been found that 4xylene is biodegraded in soil and groundwater samples under aerobic
conditions1. Using a standard BOD dilution technique and a sewage inoculum, a 44% of theoretical BOD was
observed over a 5 day incubation period2. Over 88% of an initial influent concentration of 24.0 ug/L was
biodegraded by an activated sludge plant treating municipal wastewater3 over a 5 day operation period. A jet fuel
acclimated aquifer mineralized 7080% of a 4xylene sample under denitrifying conditions over a 55 day incubation
period4. A coarse sand aquifer removed 52100% of 4xylene from contaminated groundwater under natural aerobic
conditions over a 13 day incubation period5. A 0.15 mM sample of 4xylene was completely degraded in a diesel
fuel acclimated aquifer during an 11 day incubation period6. Complete biodegradation of a groundwater sample of
4xylene, 85 ug/L, in an activated sand aquifer was observed within 110 days7. The degradation rate constant for 4
xylene in an activated sand aquifer was measured as 0.038/day7. The degradation rate constant of 4xylene
measured in the Columbus Air Force Base aquifer, Columbus, MS was 0.0107/days8. Xylene mixed isomers, present
at 100 mg/L, reached 100% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the
Japanese MITI test which classified xylene as readily biodegradable9. Using OECD Guideline 301F Ready
Biodegradability: Manometric Respirometry Test with nonadapted activated sludge inoculum, 4xylene 41 mg/L
reached 68% of its theoretical BOD in 10 days and 87.8% in 28 days which classified 4xylene as readily
biodegradable10. In a different OECD Guideline 301F study using a mixture of sewage, soil and natural water
inoculum, 4xylene reached 90% of its O2 consumption in 28 days which classified it as readily biodegradable10.
3/4Xylene, present at 50 mg/L, reached 85% of its theoretical BOD in 14 days during a 28day BOD test11.
(1) Aronson D et al; Aerobic biodegradation of organic chemicals in environmental media: A summary of field and laboratory
studies. Atlanta, GA: US EPA. pp. 6670 (1999) (2) Bridie AL et al; Water Res 13: 62730 (1979) (3) Parker WJ et al; Water Environ
Res 65: 5865 (1993) (4) Hutchins SR; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 143748 (1991) (5) Morgan P et al; Environ Pollut 82: 181190
(1993) (6) Haner A et al; Appl Environ Microbiol 61: 318588 (1995) (7) API; Transport and Fate of Dissolved Methanol, Methyl
TertiaryButylEther and Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons in a Shallow Sand Aquifer. American Petroleum Institute, Health Environ Sci
Dept, API Publication No 4601 (1994) (8) MacIntyre WG et al; Water Resources Res 29: 404551 (1993) (9) NITE; Chemical Risk
Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of June
21, 2016: http://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html (10) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. pXylene (CAS 106423) Registered
Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 27, 2016: http://echa.europa.eu/ (11) Lapertot ME,
Pulgarin C; Chemosphere 65: 682690 (2006)
from HSDB
AEROBIC: An activated sludge inoculum obtained from a Wisconsin wastewater treatment facility biodegraded a 5.53
ug/L sample of 3/4xylene1. Aerobic flowthrough aquifer column studies resulted in 80% removal of combined
3/4xylene2. Combined 3/4xylene concentrations were not significantly reduced within 42 days following the
addition of nitrate to this column; however, anaerobic conditions in the nitrateamended column resulted in about
50% removal of 3 and 4xylene after several months2. Groundwater contaminated with combined 3/4xylene at
1,300 ug/L was treated with both upflow aerated columns and rotating biological contactors with 98% removal in 37
days and 96% removal in 146 days, respectively3. 98.1% of the combined 3/4xylene present initially was
biodegraded in an activated sludge treatment plant4.
(1) Clapp WL et al; Water Environ Res 66: 153160 (1994) (2) Anid PJ et al; Wat Res 27: 68591 (1993) (3) Van der Hoek JP et al;
Environ Technol Lett 10: 18594 (1989) (4) Melcer H et al; Wat Sci Tech 25: 38389 (1992)
from HSDB
ANAEROBIC: In general, it has been found that 4xylene may be degraded under anaerobic denitrifying conditions1.
Biodegradation of 4xylene was observed under anaerobic denitrifying conditions2. Combined 3/4xylene
concentration was not significantly reduced within 42 days following the addition of nitrate to a soil column; however,
anaerobic conditions in the nitrateamended column resulted in about 50% removal of 3/4xylene after several
months3. Leachate containing 3/4xylene at 100 ug/L was significantly biodegraded under denitrifying conditions
but not under either ironreducing or methanogenic conditions4. Anaerobic microcosms were constructed using
aquifer sediment and groundwater from the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in CA which had been contaminated
with gasoline5. Following the loss of toluene, 3/4xylenes was biodegraded completely by day 39 with a maximum
rate of 4.1 ug/Lhr5. Following the addition of nitrate, there was less complete removal of 3/4xylene; however, the
maximum removal rate was increased to 5.4 ug/Lhr5. In an anaerobic microcosm inoculated with sediment and
groundwater from a polluted ironreducing aquifer, 4xylene was degraded by the intrinsic bacteria under iron
reducing conditions6.
(1) Aronson D, Howard PH; Anaerobic biodegradation of organic chemicals in groundwater. Washington, DC: Amer Petrol Inst pp.
1026 (1997) (2) Morgan P et al; Environ Pollut 82: 181190 (1993) (3) Anid PJ et al; Wat Res 27: 68591 (1993) (4) Albrechtsen HJ
et al; pp. 37178 in Appl Biotechnol Site Rem, Pap Inter Symp, In Situ OnSite Bioreclam. 2nd 1993, Hinchee REL et al, eds. Lewis:
Boca Raton, FL (1994) (5) Ball HA, Reinhard M; Environ Toxicol Chem 15: 11422 (1986) (6) Botton S, Parsons JR; Environ Sci Technol
25(10): 26302638 (2006)
from HSDB
11.2.7 Abiotic Degredation
The rate constant for the vaporphase reaction of 4xylene with photochemicallyproduced hydroxyl radicals has been
estimated as 1.43X1011 cu cm/moleculesec at 25 deg C1. This corresponds to an atmospheric halflife of about 26
hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm2. The rate constant for the vapor
phase reaction of 4xylene with nighttime nitrate radicals is 4.53X1016 cu cm/moleculesec at 25 deg C3. This
corresponds to an atmospheric halflife of about 65 days at an atmospheric concentration of 2.5X10+8 nitrate radicals
per cu cm4. The rate constant for the vaporphase reaction of 4xylene with ozone is 1.36X121 cu cm/moleculesec
at 25 deg C3. This corresponds to an atmospheric halflife of about 23 years at an atmospheric concentration of
7X10+11 ozone molecules per cu cm2. Products from the gasphase reaction of nitrate with 4xylene were 4
methylbenzaldehyde and 4methylbenzyl nitrate5. 4Xylene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the
environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions6. 4Xylene, at 30
mg/L in water, does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm7 and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct
photolysis by sunlightSRC. Negligible absorption above 290 nm has also been reported for 4xylene8.
(1) Atkinson R, Arey J; Chem Rev 103: 46054638 (2003) (2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.1. Nov, 2012.
Available from, as of June 27, 2016: http://www2.epa.gov/tscascreeningtools/ (3) NIST; NIST Chemistry WebBook. 4Xylene (106
423). NIST Gas Phase Kinetics Database No. 69, Sept 2013 Release. Washington, DC: US Sec Commerce. Available from, as of June
27, 2016: http://webbook.nist.gov (4) Atkinson R; Atmos Environ 34: 20632101 (2000) (5) Chlodini G et al; Environ Sci Technol 27:
165964 (1993) (6) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 74,
75 (1990) (7) Thomas O, Burgress C; UVvisible Spectrophotometry of Water and Wastewater, 1st ed., Oxford UK: Elsevier Sciences,
p. 67 (2007) (8) Jori A et al; Ecotox Environ Saf 11: 4480 (1986)
from HSDB
The photolysis of jet fuel JP4 in water resulted in the degradation of 3/4xylene combined, from 1.46 to 1.38 to 1.34
to 1.20 mg/L in 0, 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively, in pond water1.
(1) Smith JH, Harper JC; pp 33653 in Proc 12th Conf on Environ Toxicol 3,4, and 5 Nov 1981. Airforce Aerospace Medical Research
Laboratory, Ohio (1982)
from HSDB
11.2.8 Bioconcentration
Experimental BCF values of 151,2 and 193 have been reported for fish for 4xylene. Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus
mykiss exposed to xylene emulsified in aquatic weed control for 56 days in a flowthrough system had a maximum
BCF of 25.94. According to a classification scheme5, these BCF values suggest the potential for bioconcentration in
aquatic organisms is lowSRC.
(1) Park JH, Lee HJ; Chemosphere 26: 190516 (1993) (2) Sabljic A; Environ Sci Technol 21: 35866 (1987) (3) Sacan MT et al; J Chem
Inf Comput Sci 44: 985992 (2004) (4) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. pXylene (CAS 106423) Registered Substances Dossier.
European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 27, 2016: http://echa.europa.eu/ (5) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501
14 (1994)
from HSDB
11.2.9 Soil Adsorption/Mobility
Koc values of 246 and 540 have been measured for 4xylene in silt and sandy loam soils respectively1. A Koc value of
204 was measured for 4xylene using sandy aquifer materials2. A median experimental Koc value of 295 has also
been reported3. According to a classification scheme4, these Koc values suggest that 4xylene is expected to have
moderate to low mobility in soil. A soil leaching column study estimated a 4xylene Koc of 331 using a
chromatographic methodology5. Another soil column leaching study estimated a Koc range of 118298 based on
HPLC measurement6.
(1) Walton BT et al; J Environ Qual 21: 552558 (1992) (2) Abdul AS et al; Hazard Waste & Hazard Mater 4: 21122 (1987) (3)
Schuurmann G et al; Environ Sci Technol 40: 70057011 (Supporting information) (2006) (4) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 1728
(1983) (5) Xu F et al; J Environ Qual 30: 16181623 (2001) (6) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. pXylene (CAS 106423) Registered
Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 27, 2016: http://echa.europa.eu/
from HSDB
11.2.10 Volatilization from Water/Soil
The Henry's Law constant for 4xylene is measured as 6.90X103 atmcu m/mole1. This Henry's Law constant
indicates that 4xylene is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces2. Based on this Henry's Law constant, the
volatilization halflife from a model river 1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec2 is estimated as 3.1
hoursSRC. The volatilization halflife from a model lake 1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec2
is estimated as 4.1 daysSRC. 4Xylene's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces
may occurSRC. 4Xylene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfacesSRC based upon a vapor pressure of 8.84
mm Hg3.
(1) Foster P et al; Fresen Environ Bull 3: 318323 (1994) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods.
Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 151 to 1529 (1990) (3) Chao J et al; J Phys Chem Ref Data 12: 103363 (1983)
from HSDB
11.2.11 Water Concentrations
GROUNDWATER: 4Xylene was detected in groundwater under a landfill in Norman, OK 0.9 ppb1, under a rapid
infiltration site in Phoenix, AZ 0.1049 ppb2, under a coal gasification site in Wyoming 15 months after gasification
completed 240830 ppb3. 4Xylene was detected in a recovery well from a landfill 7 years after closing 2.9 ppb4.
The concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in groundwater samples collected near a gas station, a paint factory, a
river, and a university in Taichung, Taiwan ranged from below quantitation to 4.0 ug/L5. The median and maximum
concentration of 3/4xylene measured in contaminated groundwater samples in Dusseldorf, Germany were 0.03 and
1.59 ug/L, respectively6. Groundwater monitoring conducted in the US between 19962002 by the USGS at 518
monitoring wells detected xylene combined isomers in 2.2% of the wells7.
(1) Dunlap WJ et al; pp 96110 in Organic Pollutants Contributed to Groundwater by a Landfill. USEPA600/976004 (1976) (2)
Tomson MB et al; Water Res 15: 110916 (1981) (3) Stuermer DH et al; Environ Sci Technol 16: 5827 (1982) (4) DeWalle FB, Chian
ESK; J Amer Water Works Assoc 73: 20611 (1981) (5) Lee MR et al; Chemosphere 69: 13817 (2007) (6) Rosell M et al; Environ
Toxicol Chem 24: 278595 (2005) (7) Squillace PJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 38: 53275338 (2004)
from HSDB
DRINKING WATER: In a survey of 30 Canadian water treatment facilities, the average value of 4xylene combined with
ethyl benzene was 1 ppb with a maximum value of 10 ppb1. 4Xylene has been qualitatively detected in the
municipal drinking water supplies of Cleveland, OH2, Philadelphia, PA3, Washington, DC4, Tuscaloosa, AL and
Houston, TX5. In a survey of organics in drinking water derived from groundwater sources, 4/2xylene combined
was found in 2.1% of 280 sample sites supplying <10,000 persons and 1.1% of 186 sites supplying >10,000 persons.
The maximum combined concentrations were 0.59 and 0.91 ppb, respectively6. Combined 3/4xylene was detected
at a concentration of 0.1 ppb in bank filtered Rhine river drinking water in the Netherlands7. 4Xylene was detected
in 6 drinking water wells near a landfill, at concns in the range of 0.32.1 ppb8. 4Xylene was detected in 14 drinking
water studies in Great Britain, 10 from surface water sources and 4 from ground supplies9. Combined 3/4xylene
was detected in the drinking water produced by offshore installations in Norway at concns between 13015,000
ng/L10. Drinking water collected from 1206 domestic wells between 19852002 had positive 3/4xylene detections
in 28 samples11.
(1) Otson R et al; J Assoc Off Anal Chem 65: 13704 (1982) (2) Sanjivamurthy VA; Water Res 12: 313 (1978) (3) Suffet IH et al; p
37597 in Identification and Analysis of Organic Pollutants in Water. Keith H ed. Ann Arbor, MI: Ann Arbor Press (1976) (4)
Saunders RA et al; Water Res 9: 11435 (1975) (5) Bertsch W et al; J Chromatogr 112: 7018 (1975) (6) Westrick JJ; J Amer Water
Works Assoc 76: 529 (1984) (7) Piet GR, Morra CF; pp 3142 in Artificial Groundwater Recharge. Huisman L, Olsthorn TN eds.
Pitman Publ (1983) (8) DeWalle FB, Chian ESK; J Amer Water Works Assoc 73: 20611 (1981) (9) Fielding M et al; Organic
Micropollutants in Drinking Water. TR 159. Medmenham, UK Water Res Ctr (1981) (10) Kristiansen NK et al; Chemosphere 25:
163142 (1992) (11) Rowe BL et al; Environ Health Perspect 115(11): 15391546 (2007)
from HSDB
SURFACE WATER: 4Xylene was detected in the raw water supplies for 30 Canadian treatment facilities, 23% contained
a combination of pxylene and ethyl benzene which averaged <1 ppb and whose maximum value was <1 ppb in
summer and 2 ppb in winter1. 4Xylene was detected, not quantified in the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, AL2
and the Glatt River in Switzerland3. 4Xylene was detected in the Adige River, Italy 0.10.6 ug/L4. 4Xylene was
detected in the Morava River, Slovakia 0.160.97 ug/L5.
(1) Otson R et al; J Assoc Off Anal Chem 65: 13704 (1982) (2) Bertsch W et al; J Chromatogr 112: 7018 (1975) (3) Zuercher F, Giger
W; Vom Wasser 47: 3755 (1976) (4) Benfenati E et al; Chemosphere 25: 166574 (1992) (5) AlRekabi H et al; Bull Environ Contam
Toxicol 56: 9097 (1996)
from HSDB
SEAWATER: Samples obtained from Vineland Sound, MA, contained 3/4xylene at a range of 4.566.0 parts per
trillion1. Combined 3/4xylene was detected in coastal sections of the Gulf of Mexico, at 2.724.4 parts per
trillion2. Combined 3/4xylene was detected in the northern Gulf of Mexico, at 130 ng/L3.
(1) Gschwend PM et al; Environ Sci Technol 16: 318 (1982) (2) Sauer TC Jr et al; Mar Chem 7: 116 (1978) (3) Sauer TC Jr et al;
Environ Sci Technol 15: 91723 (1981)
from HSDB
RAIN/SNOW: 4Xylene was detected in the rainfall in West Los Angeles, CA, at a concentration of 9 parts per
trillion1. Combined 3/4xylene was detected in antarctic snow at concentrations of 12 to 198 ng/L2. Combined
3/4xylene was quantified during seven rain events in Portland, OR in 1984, at concentrations ranging from 34 to 260
ng/L3. Snow and ice samples collected directly in cloud in 2005 and 2006 at Jungfraujoch, Germany contained mean
3/4xylene levels ranging from 24121 ng/L4.
(1) Kawamura K, Kaplan IR; Environ Sci Technol 17: 497501 (1983) (2) Desideri PG et al; J Environ Anal Chem 55: 3346 (1994) (3)
Ligocki MP et al; Atmos Environ 19: 160917 (1985) (4) Fries E et al; Sci Total Environ 391: 269277 (2008)
from HSDB
11.2.12 Effluents Concentrations
4Xylene was detected 33.2 ug/g in the leachate from a petroleum refinery plant1. 4Xylene was detected 1.97
mg/L in the leachate near a landfill in Virginia2. 4Xylene was detected, not quantified in the leachate of a Florida
landfill3. 4Xylene was detected 0.462.97 ppm in the tail pipe emissions from automobiles in the UK4. 4Xylene
was detected 61.5427.4 mg/km in the emissions of automobiles under various driving conditions in the UK5.
Emissions of 3 and 4xylene from an outboard boat motor 71 mg for 10 minutes of operation, into a freshwater lake
in Germany were measured6. Unspecified concentrations of 4xylene were detected in the effluent of coal power
plants in the US7.
(1) Dupont RR, Reineman JJ; Evaluation of Volatilization of Hazardous Constituents at Hazardous Waste Land Treatment Sites. NTIS
PB 86233 939/AS. Washington, DC: USEPA (1986) (2) Cozzarelli IM et al; Environ Sci Technol 29: 45869 (1995) (3) Chen CS, Zoltek
JJR; Chemosphere 31: 345564 (1995) (4) Bailey JC et al; Atmos Environ 24: 4352 (1990) (5) Bailey JC et al; Sci Tot Environ 93: 199
206 (1990) (6) Juettner F; Chemosphere 29: 191200 (1994) (7) Junk GA et al; ACS Symp Ser 319: 10923 (1986)
from HSDB
Tailpipe emissions of 3/4xylene for 9 vehicles at 75, 90, and 105 deg F were measured as 3.283.80, 2.523.73, and
3.203.27 wt %, respectively2. Hot soak evaporative emissions of 3 and 4xylene for 9 vehicles at 75, 90, and 105
deg F were measured as 5.205.34, 5.236.01, and 5.117.49 wt %, respectively1. Evaporative emissions of 3/4xylene
for 9 vehicles at 6084, 7296, and 84108 deg F were measured as 2.573.22, 2.832.94, and 0.251.29 wt %,
respectively1. The mean concentration of 3/4xylene in exhaust from 6 cars was 12,322 ppb volume2. Air samples
taken along an urban road in 1982 in London, England, contained 3/4xylene combined, at a mean concentration of
2.76 parts per thousand million n = 2563. Air samples collected along a motorway in Toddington, England in the
countryside, contained 3/4xylene combined, at a mean concentration of 0.85 parts per thousand million n = 198
4. Exhaust air from the Elbtunnel, Germany, contained 3/4xylene, combined, at concentrations from 150.9 to 169.8
ug/cu m4.
(1) Stump FD et al; J Air Waste Manage Assoc 42: 132835 (1992) (2) Blake NJ et al; J Geophys Res 98: 285164 (1993) (3) Clark AI;
Environ Pollut 7: 14158 (1984) (4) Dannecker W et al; Sci Total Environ 93: 293300 (1990)
from HSDB
3/4Xylene was detected in the headspace emissions of 15 out of 26 gel type air fresheners purchased in South
Korea1. 3/4Xylene emission rates determined for six of these products ranged from 18570 ug/hr1. Invehicle
analysis suggested that the strength of xylene emissions from air fresheners was not strong enough to elevate in
vehicle levels1. Mean concentrations of 3/4xylene were 17.318.1 and 9.610.5 ug/cu m in the invehicle air of 10
gasoline and 10 diesel passenger cars in South Korea, respectively1. Emission rates of 3/4xylene measured for 10
diesel fuels ranged from 0.765.02 mg/bhphr brake horsepowerhour for engines without an aftertreatment device
and from below detection to 1.09 mg/bhphr for engines with an aftertreatment device2. The concentration of
3/4xylene measured in the gas phase emissions from burning pine wood was 60.0 mg/kg wood burned3. Emission
rates of 3/4xylene ranged from <1.59.1 ug/sq mhr in 4 new manufactured houses and from <4.124.2 ug/sq mhr
in 7 new sitebuilt houses4. 3/4Xylene concentrations ranged from 0.52.7 ppb in the manufactured houses and
1.411.5 ppb in the sitebuilt houses4. Concentrations of 3/4xylene combined were 14,300 and 1,720,000 ug/km in
catalystequipped and noncatalystequipped gasolinepowered motor vehicle tailpipe emissions, respectively5. 3/4
Xylene were detected in 170 out of 249 samples of North Carolina statewide stormwater runoff with a median and
maximum concentrations of 0.09 and 1.62 ug/L, respectively6. The mean concentration of 3/4xylene measured in
24 unleaded gasoline samples was 5.6% by weight6. 3/4Xylene was detected in the volatiles emitted from corn,
alfalfa and cereal silage at concentrations of 0.541.48 ng/L7. On road monitoring of exhaust from light, medium and
heavy duty diesel vehicles between 20122013 detected 3/4xylene as 0.792.20% of the top 20 volatile organic
compounds emitted8.
(1) Jo WK et al; Chemosphere 70: 182734 (2008) (2) Tang et al; Environ Sci Technol 41: 503743 (2007) (3) Schauer JJ et al;
Environ Sci Technol 35: 171628 (2001) (4) Hodgson AT et al; Indoor Air 10: 17892 (2000) (5) Schauer JJ et al; Environ Sci Technol
36: 116980 (2002) (6) Borden RC et al; Environ Pollut 118: 14152 (2002) (7) Malkina IL et al; J Environ Qual 49(1): 2836 (2011) (8)
Yao Z et al; Atmos Environ 103: 8793 (2015)
from HSDB
11.2.13 Sediment/Soil Concentrations
SEDIMENT: Sediment collected from the River Morava, Slovakia, contained 3 and 4xylene, combined, at
concentrations from 0.21 to 1.53 ug/kg wet weight1. Sediment samples from the River Tees estuary, England,
contained 3 and 4xylene, combined, at concentrations from 3.4 to 250 ppb2.
(1) AlRekabi H et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 56: 9097 (1996) (2) Harland BJ et al; Intern J Environ Anal Chem 20: 295311
(1985)
from HSDB
SOIL: 4Xylene was detected in the soil near a pulp mill at a concentration of 0.9 g/ton1.
(1) Kookana RS, Rogers SL; Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 142: 1364 (1995)
from HSDB
11.2.14 Atmospheric Concentrations
URBAN/SUBURBAN: 4Xylene was detected at concentrations of about 0.100.15 ppbC at a roadside in the Atlanta,
GA metropolitan area1. 4Xylene was detected at a mean concentration of 14.8 ug/cu m in 102 areas sampled in the
US2. Average concentration in the range of 0.610.0 ppb were measured for 3/4xylene in 12 US cities3. Combined
3/4xylene was detected at an average concentration of 18.1 ppb in 39 US cities4. 4Xylene was detected in the
Lincoln Tunnel, NY at a concentration of 49 ppb5. Combined 3/4xylene was detected in the passenger areas of
vehicles in Boston, MA 20.9 ug/cu m, Raleigh, NC 30.5 ug/cu m and Los Angeles, CA 153.9 ug/cu m6. Levels in
ambient air of 4xylene were reported for several locations in the US and Europe7.
(1) BernardoBricker A; J Air Waste Manage Assoc 45: 591603 (1995) (2) Kelly TJ et al; Ambient Concn Summaries For Clean Air
Act. Title III. Hazardous Air Pollutants. US EPA Contract No 68D80082, USEPA/600/R94/090, Final Report. Research Triangle Park
(1993) (3) Singh HB et al; Atmos Environ 19: 19119 (1985) (4) Seila RL et al; Determination of C2 to C12 Ambient Air Hydrocarbons
in 39 US Cities From 1984 Through 1986. USEPA/600/S389/058 Atmos Res Expos Assess Lab, Research Triangle Park NC (1989) (5)
Lonneman WA et al; Environ Sci Technol 20: 790796 (1986) (6) Chan CC et al; J Air Waste Manage Assoc 41: 15941600 (1994) (7)
Grosjean D et al; Sci Tot Environ 100: 367414 (1991)
from HSDB
URBAN/SUBURBAN: The reported mean concentration of 3/4xylene measured in the outdoor air at 36 homes in
New York City during the TEACH study was 1.36 ug/cu m in the summer and 58.73 ug/cu m in the winter1. The
median and maximum concentration of 3/4xylene measured in 2,890 samples collected across Minnesota were 0.5
and 16.97 ug/cu m, respectively2. Concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in ambient air samples collected at the
University of Nevada Las Vegas ranged from 02.0 ppbv3. Reported concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in the
outdoor air of apartments in Daegu, Korea ranged from 5.87.4 ug/cu m4. Reported concentrations of 4xylene
measured in Rome, Italy were 79 ug/cu m in a traffic tunnel, 33 ug/uc m above a heavytraffic road, and 2.1 ug/cu m
at a park located away from the city center5. The mean and range of 3/4xylene concentrations measured in the
atmosphere of the Tijuca district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were 10.4 and 4.721.3 ug/cu m, respectively6. Mean
concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in the air at an urban and suburban site around Athens, Greece were 9.07 and
3.55 ug/cu m, respectively, during the winter and 4.73 and 1.42 ug/cu m, respectively, during the summer7.
Geometric mean concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in the atmosphere of S. Mario Capua Vetere in Southern
Italy were reported to be 9.3 ug/cu m during working days and 8.4 ug/cu m on weekends8. 3/4Xylene
concentrations ranged from about 4 to 14 ug/cu m during 2007 air monitoring in Gdansk Poland9. The
concentrations of xylene measured in the air of different outdoor locations in Perth, Western Australia ranged from
0.8 to 2.1 ppb10.
(1) Kinney PL et al; Environ Health Perspect 110: 53946 (2002) (2) Pratt GC et al; Environ Health Perspect 108: 81525 (2000) (3)
Tran NK et al; Atmos Environ 34: 184552 (2000) (4) Jo WK et al; Environ Res 92: 16671 (2003) (5) Yassaa N et al; Chemosphere
63: 5028 (2006) (6) Martins EM et al; Chemosphere 67: 2096103 (2007) (7) Pateraki S et al; Chemosphere 72: 496503 (2008) (8)
Iovino P et al; Chemosphere 73: 6148 (2008) (9) Zabiegala B et al; J Environ Qual 39: 896906 (2010) (10) Hinwood AL et al;
Chemosphere 63: 4219 (2006)
from HSDB
INDOOR: 4 of 9 indoor air samples taken from the living rooms of houses situated above screen printing plants in
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, contained 3/4xylene, combined, at median concentrations of <0.04 to <0.05 mg/cu m
detection limit = <0.01 mg/cu m1. At a building facility with a history of occupant complaints characteristic of sick
building syndrome, indoor air samples from building 2, building 3, building 3 exhaust, and outdoor air contained
3/4xylene, combined, at 12, 22, 15, and 3.9 ug/cu m, respectively2. Indoor air samples from 31 residences in the
Kanawha Valley, WV the center of a heavily industrialized area contained 3/4xylene, combined, at a mean
concentration of 17.73 ug/cu m median = 7.27 ug/cu m3. Indoor air concentrations of 3/4xylene, combined, in 12
homes in Canada ranged from 7104 ug/cu m average = 31.1 ug/cu m; Nov/Dec collection4. Indoor air samples
collected from 5 apartments and 9 houses in Italy during 19831984 contained 3/4xylene at a mean concentration
of 89 ug/cu m mean outdoor concentration of 24 ug/cu m5. Indoor air from an office building, a school, and two
elderly homes contained 3/4xylene, combined, at median concentrations of 8.2150 outdoor = 0.963.3 ug/cu m,
7.9 outdoor = 13 ug/cu m, and 8.19.5 outdoor = 8.113 ug/cu m ug/cu m, respectively6. 4Xylene was detected
in the emissions of freshly glued wallpaper and freshly glued carpet at concentrations of 26 ug/cu m and 150 ug/cu m
respectively7.
(1) Verhoeff AP et al; Int Arch Occup Environ Hlth 60: 20109 (1988) (2) Weschler CJ et al; Amer Ind Hyg Assoc J 51: 26168 (1990)
(3) Cohen MA et al; J Air & Waste Manage Assoc 39: 108693 (1989) (4) Chan CC et al; J Air Waste Manage Assoc 40: 6267 (1990)
(5) DeBortoli M et al; Environ Internat 12: 34350 (1986) (6) Hartwell TD et al; Proc APCA Annu Meet 78th Vol. 3. 8530B.3 (1985)
(7) Wallace LA et al; Atmos Environ 21: 38593 (1987)
from HSDB
INDOOR: The reported mean concentration of 3/4xylene measured in the air of 36 homes in New York City during
the TEACH study was 6.44 ug/cu m in the summer and 10.4 ug/cu m in the winter1. The mean and range of 3,4
xylene concentrations were 7.11 and 2.7041.83 ug/cu m, respectively, in the indoor air of 56 urban German
apartments and 7.15 and 1.3470.88 ug/cu m, respectively, in the indoor air of 59 rural German appartments2. 4
Xylene was detected in the following microenvironments of Birmingham, UK mean concentrations in ug/cu m : 64
homes 1.9, 12 offices 1.7, 6 restaurants 5.6, 6 pubs 6.5, 8 department stores 3.1, 6 cinemas 5.5, 3 perfume
shops 2.2, 6 libraries 3.1, 8 labs 0.6, 12 train stations 6.9, 12 coach stations 3.5, 12 trafficked roads 11.6, inside
35 cars 52.5, inside 18 trains 4.8, inside 18 buses 7.63. Reported concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in the
indoor air of apartments in Daegu, Korea ranged from 13.120.1 ug/cu m4. Reported concentrations of 3/4xylene
measured in the indoor air of 5 houses within the Niigata Prefecture of Japan range from 538 ug/cu m5. 3/4
Xylene concentrations as high as 352.4 ug/cu m were measured in the indoor air of a house during redecoration
work6. Geometric mean and maximum concentrations of 3/4xylene were 10.7 and 1765 ug/cu m, respectively, in
the air of several stores and 6.23 and 28.6 ug/cu m, respectively, in the air of several dining establishments in the
Boston, MA area7. Median concentrations of 1.2 to 3.6 ug/cu m 3/4xylene were detected during the winter and
spring of 2000 in indoor air samples in innercity schools in Minneapolis, MN8. The indoor air of 37 small and
mediumsized commercial buildings in California had a geometric mean 3/4xylene level of 1.63 ug/cu m9.
(1) Kinney PL et al; Environ Health Perspect 110: 53946 (2002) (2) Ilgen E et al; Atmos Environ 35: 123552 (2001) (3) Kim YM et al;
35: 9971004 (2001) (4) Jo WK et al; Environ Res 92: 16671 (2003) (5) Sakaguchi J, Akabayashi S; Indoor Air 13(suppl 6): 429
(2003) (6) Ilgen E Et al; Atmos Environ 35: 125364 (2001) (7) Loh MM et al; Environ Sci Technol 40: 690311 (2006) (8) Adgate JL et
al; Environ Health Perspect 112: 13861392 (2004) (9) Wu X et al; Environ Sci Technol 45(20): 90759083 (2011)
from HSDB
INDOOR: The concentration ranges of 3/4xylene measured in the cabins of automobiles using gasoline engines and
diesel engines were 3.966.3 and 3.215.2 ug/cu m, respectively1. Reported concentrations of 3/4xylene were
1341.1 and 1570.7 ug/cu m in air inside a new vehicle 1 month old and 46.3 and 48.3 ug/cu m in the air inside a used
vehicle 3 yrs old; vehicles were of identical brand and assembly2. Monitoring of air inside of buses and bus stations
in Hangzhou, China during 20072008 detected mean 3/4xylene concentrations of 11.8 and 3.2 ug/cu m
respectively3. Monitoring of air inside of public buses in northern Spain in 2007 detected median and mean 3/4
xylene levels of 1.71 and 2.30 ug/cu m respectively4.
(1) Ilgen E et al; Atmos Environ 35: 126579 (2001) (2) Buters JTM et al; Environ Sci Technol 41: 26229 (2007) (3) Li S et al; Sci Total
Environ 407(6): 20042011 (2009) (4) Parra MA et al; Sci Total Environ 404: 1825 (2008)
from HSDB
RURAL/REMOTE: 4Xylene was detected in Atlantic Ocean air, 0.010.02 ppb1, Pacific Ocean air, 0.020.04 ppb2 and
Indian Ocean air, 0.0030.005 ppb3. 4Xylene was detected at concentrations between 261187 ng/cu m in German
forests4. Air samples from Silwood Park, England, contained 3/4xylene at a mean concentration of 0.49 ppm5. Air
samples collected from Whitaker's Forest, Sierra Navada Mountains, CA, contained 3/4xylene, combined, at
unreported concentrations6. Median air concentrations of 3/4xylene, combined, at several rural locations in
northwestern North Caroline were 0.6 Roan Mountain, 1.0 Grandfather Mountain, 0.7 Linville Gorge, 0.7 Rich
Mountain, 15.3 Boone center, and 3.3 Boone outskirts ppb7. Combined 3/4xylene concentrations measured in
Brazil July and August, 1979 and 1980; throughout the Amazon forest and savannah; n=10, the Amazon forest
Manaus; July 1985; n=71, the Amazon forest Manaus; August 1985; n=11, Kenya rural; July and August 1983;
n=13, and Nigeria rural; June 1985; n=8 were below the detection limit 0.01 ppbv, 0.04, 0.04, 0.07, and 0.02 ppbv,
respectively8.
(1) Bozzelli JW et al; Analysis of selected toxic and carcinogenic substances in ambient air in New Jersey. New Jersey Dept Environ
Prot (1980) (2) Sexton K, Westberg H; Environ Sci Technol 14: 32932 (1980) (3) Singh HB et al; Atmos Environ 19: 19119 (1985) (4)
Juttner F; Chemosphere 17: 30917 (1988) (5) Clark AI et al; Environ Pollut 7: 14158 (1984) (6) Helmig D, Arey J; Sci Total Environ
112: 23350 (1992) (7) Seila RL et al; Atmospheric Volatile Hydrocarbon Composition at Five Remote Sites in Northwestern North
Caroline. USEPA600/D84092. (NTIS PB84177930). Research Triangel Park, NC: USEPA (1984) (8) Greenberg JP, Zimmerman PR;
In: ACS Div Environ Chem 192nd Natl Mtg. 26: 1013 (1986)
from HSDB
SOURCE DOMINATED: Combined 3/4xylene was detected at concentrations between 0.2 and 99.0 ppb near two
landfills in New Jersey1, and at concentrations between 3 and 5 ppb downwind from an automobile painting plant in
Janesville, WI2. The average concentrations of 3/4xylene combined at a gasoline/ethanol service station in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil in 2004 was 123.2 ug/cu m3.
(1) Bozzelli JW et al; Analysis of selected toxic and carcinogenic substances in ambient air in New Jersey. New Jersey Dept Environ
Prot (1980) (2) Sexton K, Westberg H; Environ Sci Technol 14: 32932 (1980) (3) de Oliveira KMPG et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol
79: 237241 (2007)
from HSDB
11.2.15 Food Survey Values
Combined 3/4xylene was detected in the volatiles of several table ready foods at concentrations of 10114 ppb1.
4Xylene was detected in the volatiles of roasted duck at concentrations of 0.721.2 ppb2. Unspecified
concentrations of 4xylene were detected in California nectarines3. Unspecified concentrations of 4xylene were
detected in eggs from the US4. Unspecified concentrations of 4xylene were detected in the volatiles of meat
products in the US5.
(1) Heikes DL et al; J Agric Food Chem 43: 286975 (1995) (2) Wu CM, Liou SE; J Agric Food Chem 40: 83841 (1992) (3) Takeoka GR
et al; J Agric Food Chem 36: 55360 (1988) (4) Matiella JE, Hsieh TCY; J Food Sci 56: 38790 (1991) (5) Shahidi F et al; CRC Crit Rev
Food Sci Nature 24: 141243 (1986)
from HSDB
As part of the US FDA Total Diet Program, monitoring of 70 foods between 1996 and 2000 detected 3/4xylene in
the following food items1:
Commodity Concn ppm
American cheese 4112
cheddar cheese 543
mixed nuts 8107
ground beef 27
pork bacon 325
beef frankfurters 1332
chocolate cake with icing 741
tuna canned in oil 27
fruitflavored cereal 47
scrambled eggs 24
peanut butter 328
raw avocado 5
popcorn 324
blueberry muffin 366
raw orange 1168
sweet roll/danish 429
potato chips 265
fruitflavored sherbert 365
cooked hamburger 27
margarine 844
butter 2159
chocolate cookies 314
apple pie 677
chicken nuggets 540
apple pie 677
graham crackers 350
french fries 522
cheeseburger 222
cheese pizza 427
bologna 59
pepperoni pizza 642
olive/safflower oil 2110
sugar cookies 221
cake doughnuts with icing 644
(1) FlemingJones ME, Smith RE; J Agric Food Chem 51: 81208127 (2003)
from HSDB
11.2.16 Plant Concentrations
3/4Xylene occurs in the volatiles emitted from corn, alfalfa and cereal silage1.
(1) Malkina IL et al; J Environ Qual 49(1): 2836 (2011)
from HSDB
4Xylene occurrence in some plants1.

Concn
Genus species Family Common names Part
ppm
Carthamus
Asteraceae Safflower Flower 0.240.5
tinctorius
Resin, Exudate, not

Pinus walliciana Pinaceae Butan Pine
Sap reported
Petroselinum not
Apiaceae Parsley Leaf
crispum reported
Capsicum Red Chili, Chili, Hot Pepper, Spur Pepper, Cayenne, not
Solanaceae Fruit
frutescens Tabasco reported
Capsicum Bell Pepper, Paprika, Cherry Pepper, Sweet Pepper, not

Solanaceae Fruit
annuum Green Pepper reported
(1) US Dept Agric; US Dept Agric, Agric Res Service. 19922016. Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. pXylene.
Available from, as of Sept 28, 2016: https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/search
from HSDB
11.2.17 Fish/Seafood Concentrations
Combined 3/4xylene was detected in rainbow trout from the Colorado River and carp obtained from Las Vegas
Wash, NV at concentrations of 50 and 120 ppb respectively1. Abstract: PubMed
(1) Hiatt MH; Anal Chem 55: 506516 (1983)
from HSDB
11.2.18 Milk Concentrations
ENVIRONMENTAL: The concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in 1%, 2%, and whole milk samples purchased from
grocery stores in Las Vegas, Nevada ranged from less than 0.01 to 0.75 ng/mL1. Abstract: PubMed
(1) Hiatt MH, Pia JH; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 46: 18996 (2004)
from HSDB
11.2.19 Other Environmental Concentrations
The concentrations of 3/4xylene measured in tobacco smoke from ultra low tar, full flavor low tar and full flavor
cigarettes purchased in China were 85.3, 96.2, and 86.4 ug/cigarette, respectively1. Vapor phase delivery of 3/4
Xylene measured for 26 brands of cigarettes on the UK market ranged from 0.9 ug/cigarette 0.3 mg/cigarette tar
delivery to 17.4 ug/cigarette 13.5 mg/cigarette tar delivery2. Mainstream cigarette smoke was found to contain an
average 3/4xylene level of 9.9 ug/cigarette3.
(1) Bi X et al; Chemosphere 61: 51222 (2005) (2) Darrall et al; Analyst 123: 10951101 (1998) (3) Polzin GM et al; Environ Sci
Technol 41: 12971302 (2007)
from HSDB
Woodsmoke samples collected from residential chimneys contained 3/4xylene, combined, reported as the ratio
3/4xylene/CO2 from 0.009 for a softwood, hot burn to 0.235 for a softwood, cool burn1. Smoke from burning
incense contained average 3/4xylene levels of 115.61332.43 ug/cu m2.
(1) Edgerton SA et al; Environ Sci Technol 20: 80307 (1986) (2) Yang TT et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 78: 308313 (2007)
from HSDB
In composite gasoline samples from Los Angeles, m and pxylene combined were 6.73 wt%1.
(1) NAS; The Alkyl Benzenes page I1 to I99 (1980)
from HSDB
11.2.20 Probable Routes of Human Exposure
According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 13 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons
reasonably likely to be exposed during the manufacturing, processing, or use of 4xylene benzene, 1,4dimethyl in
the United States may be as low as <10 workers and as high as 10009999 workers per plant; the data may be greatly
underestimated due to confidential business information CBI or unknown values1.
(1) US EPA; Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). Nonconfidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting information on chemical production
and use in the United States. Available from, as of June 20, 2016: http://java.epa.gov/oppt_chemical_search/
from HSDB
NIOSH NOES Survey 19811983 has statistically estimated that 20,366 workers 6,336 of these were female were
potentially exposed to 4xylene in the US1. Occupational exposure to 4xylene may occur through inhalation and
dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 4xylene is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that
the general population may be exposed to 4xylene via inhalation of ambient air, inhalation of wood smoke, ingestion
of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with consumer products containing 4xyleneSRC. Contact with
xylene occurs from a variety of consumer products, including gasoline, paint, varnish, shellac, rust preventives and
cigarette smoke2.
(1) CDC; International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) 2012. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Prevention & Control. National Institute
for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Ed Info Div. Available from, as of June 20, 2016:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/default.html (2) ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service (2007). Available from, as of June 21, 2016:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp
from HSDB
4Xylene was detected at an average concentration of 1.7 ppm in the urine of 121 metal coatings workers in the
US1. 4Xylene was detected in air samples obtained from the vulcanization areas of rubber manufacturing plants in
Italy, at concentrations between 0120 ug/cu m2. Combined 3/4xylene was detected at concentrations between 1
158 mg/cu m in the breathing zones of automobile paint shops sampled in the US3. Workers using a thinner
containing 32.8% 3 and 4xylene in spray painting operations at a shipbuilding yard had measured concentrations of
methyl hippuric acid in their urine4. The 8 hour TWA for worker exposure to combined 3/4xylene in a German
histology laboratory and a US histology laboratory was measured as 243295 mg/cu m and 11315 mg/cu m
respectively5. The 8 hour TWA for worker exposure to combined 3/4xylene in a US hospital laboratory was
measured as 2.61700 mg/cu m4. An average concentration of 0.37 ppb of combined 3/4xylene was measured in
blood samples collected from 60 persons in the US that are not occupationally exposed to 3/4xylene5.
(1) Kawai T et al; Int Arch Occup Environ Health 63: 6975 (1991) (2) Cocheo V et al; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 44: 521527 (1983) (3)
Medinilla J, Espigares M; Ann Occup Hyg 32: 509513 (1988) (4) IARC; Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of
Chemicals to Man. Geneva: World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1972Present. Xylenes. 47:
132 (1989) (5) Ashley DL et al; Clin Chem 40: 14011404 (1994)
from HSDB
11.2.21 Average Daily Intake
The average daily intake of total xylene sum of o, m, and pxylene intakes for the general population is estimated
as 0.38.6 ug/kg/day from inhalation exposure and 0.06 ug/kg/day from ingestion of drinking water assuming typical
low background levels1. Based on a maximal concentration of 1.5 mg/L in drinking water, the maximal daily
consumption of xylenes from drinking water would be 0.04 mg/kg/day1.
(1) ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Xylenes. Atlanta, GA: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public Health Service
(2007). Available from, as of June 21, 2016: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp
from HSDB
11.2.22 Body Burdens
4Xylene was detected in expired breath samples of residents in Bayonne, NJ 3.03.2 ug/cu m, Los Angeles, CA 1.4
2.3 ug/cu m, and Pittsburgh, PA 1.1 ug/cu m1. 4Xylene was detected in expired breath samples in Los Angeles, CA
2.433.46 ug/cu m2. Combined 3/4xylene was detected in expired breath samples in Bayonne, NJ at average
concentrations of 4.710 ug/cu m3. Based on a sample of 355 persons, it was determined that 95% of the population
of Bayonne and Elizabeth, NJ had detectable levels of combined 3/4xylene in expired breath4.
(1) Hartwell TD et al; Atmos Environ 21: 241324 (1987) (2) Hartwell TD et al; Atmos Environ 26A: 151927 (1992) (3) Wallace LA et
al; Toxicol Environ Chem 12: 21536 (1986) (4) Wallace LA et al; Atmos Environ 19: 165161 (1985)
from HSDB
The mean concentration of 3/4xylene was 0.21 ng/mL in the blood of 134 schoolage children that participated in
the School Health Initiative: Environment, Learning, Disease SHIELD study in Minneapolis, MN1. The mean
concentration of 3/4xylene was 0.32 ng/mL in the blood of 43 children living in an inner city neighborhood of
Minneapolis, MN2.
(1) Sexton K et al; Environ Health Perspect 113: 3429 (2005) (2) Sexton K et al; Environ Health Perspect 114: 4539 (2006)
from HSDB
The reported mean concentration of 3/4xylene measured in the personal air of 36 high school students in New York
City participating in the TEACH study was 10.9 ug/cu m in the summer and 6.71 ug/cu m in the winter1. A median
measured personal 3/4xylene concentration of 4.4 ug/cu m was determined for participants of the BEAM study
which included 55 individuals employed in nonmanufacturing workplaces, including schools and offices, and living in
suburban or urban locations in the greater Boston, MA area2.
(1) Kinney PL et al; Environ Health Perspect 110: 53946 (2002) (2) Dodson RE et al; Environ Sci Technol 41: 8498505 (2007)
from HSDB
12 Literature
12.1 Depositor Provided PubMed Citations
CLICK TO LOAD...
from PubChem
12.2 NLM Curated PubMed Citations
CLICK TO LOAD...
from PubChem
12.3 Metabolite References
Download
1 to 5 of 7 View More
PMID Reference
Schneider CJ, Moubaraki B, Cashion JD, Turner DR, Leita BA, Batten SR, Murray KS: Spin crossover in di,
21643603 tri and tetranuclear, mixedligand trispyrazolylmethane ironII complexes. Dalton Trans. 2011 Jul
14;4026:693951. doi: 10.1039/c0dt01725f. Epub 2011 Jun 6.
Grunder S, Valente C, Whalley AC, Sampath S, Portmann J, Botros YY, Stoddart JF: Molecular gauge
23090871 blocks for building on the nanoscale. Chemistry. 2012 Dec 3;1849:1563249. doi:
10.1002/chem.201201985. Epub 2012 Oct 22.
Latrache H, El GA, Karroua M, Hakkou A, Ait MH, El BA, Bourlioux P: Relations between hydrophobicity
11837394 tested by three methods and surface chemical composition of Escherichia coli. New Microbiol. 2002
Jan;251:7582.
Lyons TW, Guironnet D, Findlater M, Brookhart M: Synthesis of pxylene from ethylene. J Am Chem Soc.
22934909
2012 Sep 26;13438:1570811. Epub 2012 Sep 13.
PMID Reference
Grunder S, Stoddart JF: Giving substance to the Losanitsch series. Chem Commun Camb. 2012 Mar
22343755
28;4826:315860. doi: 10.1039/c2cc17734j. Epub 2012 Feb 16.
13 Patents
13.1 DepositorSupplied Patent Identifiers
CLICK TO LOAD...
from PubChem
14 Biomolecular Interactions and Pathways
14.1 Protein Bound 3D Structures
CLICK TO LOAD...
from PubChem
14.2 Biosystems and Pathways
CLICK TO LOAD...
from PubChem
15 Biological Test Results
15.1 BioAssay Results
CLICK TO LOAD...
from PubChem
16 Classification
16.1 Ontologies
16.1.1 MeSH Tree
CLICK TO LOAD...
from MeSH
16.1.2 ChEBI Ontology
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from ChEBI
16.1.3 WIPO IPC
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from WIPO
17 Information Sources
1. CAMEO Chemicals /source/CAMEO Chemicals
Pxylene
https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/9181 https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/9181
2. ChemIDplus /source/ChemIDplus
4Xylene
https://chem.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/sid/0000106423 https://chem.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/sid/0000106423
Benzene, 1,4dimethyl, oxidized
Aromatic hydrocarbons, C8, oxylenelean
3. EPA Chemicals under the TSCA /source/EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
Aromatic hydrocarbons, C8, oxylenelean
http://www.epa.gov/chemicaldatareporting http://www.epa.gov/chemicaldatareporting
4. EPA DSStox /source/EPA DSStox

paraXylene
https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/dsstoxdb/results?search=DTXSID2021868
https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/dsstoxdb/results?search=DTXSID2021868
5. European Chemicals Agency ECHA /source/European Chemicals Agency ECHA

pxylene
https://echa.europa.eu/ https://echa.europa.eu/
pxylene
https://echa.europa.eu/informationonchemicals/clinventorydatabase//discli/details/135927
https://echa.europa.eu/informationonchemicals/clinventorydatabase//discli/details/135927
6. ILOICSC /source/ILOICSC
pXYLENE
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.display?p_card_id=0086 http://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.display?p_card_id=0086
7. OSHA Occupational Chemical DB /source/OSHA Occupational Chemical DB

PXYLENE
http://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/chemResult.html?RecNo=38 http://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/chemResult.html?RecNo=38
8. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH /source/The National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH
pXylene
https://www.cdc.gov/nioshrtecs/ZE280DE8.html https://www.cdc.gov/nioshrtecs/ZE280DE8.html
pXylene
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0670.html https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0670.html
9. NJDOH RTK Hazardous Substance List /source/NJDOH RTK Hazardous Substance List
pxylene see fact sheet # 2014 on xylene
http://www.nj.gov/health/workplacehealthandsafety/documents/righttoknow/hsl_alpha.pdf
http://www.nj.gov/health/workplacehealthandsafety/documents/righttoknow/hsl_alpha.pdf
10. Human Metabolome Database /source/Human Metabolome Database

pXylene
http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB59924 http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB59924
11. HSDB /source/HSDB

4XYLENE
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgibin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+@rel+106423 http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi
bin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+@rel+106423
12. NITECMC /source/NITECMC

pXylene
http://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/ghs/15mhlw0084e.html http://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/ghs/15mhlw0084e.html
13. Safe Work Australia HCIS /source/Safe Work Australia HCIS

106423
http://hcis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ http://hcis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
14. FDA/SPL Indexing Data /source/FDA/SPL Indexing Data

6WAC1O477V
https://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/SubstanceRegistrationSystemUniqueIngredientIdentifierUNII/
https://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/SubstanceRegistrationSystemUniqueIngredientIdentifierUNII/
15. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods /source/NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods

106423
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003154/pdfs/3800.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003154/pdfs/3800.pdf
16. NIST /source/NIST

pXylene
http://www.nist.gov/srd/nist1a.cfm http://www.nist.gov/srd/nist1a.cfm
17. Wikipedia /source/Wikipedia

pxylene
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PXylene https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PXylene
18. PubChem
Data deposited in or computed by PubChem
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
19. MeSH /source/MeSH

4xylene
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/67031286 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/67031286
MeSH Tree
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html
20. ChEBI /source/ChEBI

ChEBI Ontology
http://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/userManualForward.do#ChEBI%20Ontology
http://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/userManualForward.do#ChEBI%20Ontology
21. WIPO /source/WIPO

International Patent Classification
http://www.wipo.int/classifications/ipc/ http://www.wipo.int/classifications/ipc/
22. NCBI
LinkOut is a service that allows one to link directly from NCBI databases to a wide range of information and services beyond
NCBI systems.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/linkout https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/linkout

P-XYLENE - C6H4 (CH3) 2 - PubChem

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2017610 PXYLENE|C6H4(CH3)2PubChem

Compound Summary for CID 7809

PXYLENE Cite this Record

PubChem CID: 7809

Molecular Formula: C6H4CH32 or C8H10

Substance Registry: FDA UNII

Safety Summary: Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary LCSS

PUBCHEM COMPOUND PXYLENE Create Date: 20050326

3 Names and Identifiers

4 Chemical and Physical Properties

7 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

8 Use and Manufacturing

10 Safety and Hazards

14 Biomolecular Interactions and Pathways

15 Biological Test Results

Show Hydrogens Show Atoms Animate

3 Names and Identifiers

3.1 Computed Descriptors

3.1.1 IUPAC Name

3.1.3 InChI Key

3.1.4 Canonical SMILES

3.2 Molecular Formula

3.3 Other Identifiers

3.3.3 ICSC Number

3.3.4 RTECS Number

Description chemical compound

3.4.1 MeSH Synonyms

3.4.2 DepositorSupplied Synonyms

1. PXYLENE 11. Chromar 21. HSDB 136 31. Solvent xylen

4 Chemical and Physical Properties

4.1 Computed Properties

Property Name Property Value

Molecular Weight 106.168 g/mol

Hydrogen Bond Donor Count 0

Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count 0

Rotatable Bond Count 0

Topological Polar Surface Area 0 A^2

Monoisotopic Mass 106.078 g/mol

Exact Mass 106.078 g/mol

Compound Is Canonicalized true

Heavy Atom Count 8

Defined Atom Stereocenter Count 0

Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count 0

Defined Bond Stereocenter Count 0

Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count 0

Isotope Atom Count 0

CovalentlyBonded Unit Count 1

4.2 Experimental Properties

4.2.1 Physical Description

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.

Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. [Note: A solid below 56F.]

Colorless plates or prisms at low temp

Colorless liquid [Note: A solid below 56 degrees F]

Color: Saybolt units +30 research, pure & technical grades

4.2.4 Boiling Point

280.9 F at 760 mm Hg NTP, 1992

4.2.5 Melting Point