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m-Cresol

Synonyms & Trade Names
3-Cresol, meta-Cresol, m-Cresylic acid, 1-Hydroxy-3-methylbenzene, 3-Hydroxytoluene, 3-Methyl phenol
CAS No.
108-39-4
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
2076 153
Formula
CH₃C₆H₄OH
Conversion
1 ppm = 4.43 mg/m3
IDLH
250 ppm
See: cresol
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 2.3 ppm (10 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
TWA 5 ppm (22 mg/m3) [skin]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 2546;
OSHA 32
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless to yellowish liquid with a sweet, tarry odor. [Note: A solid below 54°F.]
Molecular Weight
108.2
Boiling Point
397°F
Freezing Point
54°F
Solubility
2%
Vapor Pressure
(77°F): 0.14 mmHg
Ionization Potential
8.98 eV
Specific Gravity
1.03
Flash Point
187°F
Upper Explosive Limit
?
Lower Explosive Limit
(300°F): 1.1%
Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, acids
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; central nervous system effects: confusion, depression, resp failure; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), irreg rapid resp, weak pulse; eye, skin burns; dermatitis; lung, liver, kidney, pancreas damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys, pancreas, cardiovascular system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 23 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 57.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.

Up to 115 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter*
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 250 ppm:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

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

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0646
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019