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Toluene

Synonyms & Trade Names
Methyl benzene, Methyl benzol, Phenyl methane, Toluol
CAS No.
108-88-3
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
1294 130
Formula
C₆H₅CH₃
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.77 mg/m3
IDLH
500 ppm
See: 108883
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 100 ppm (375 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (560 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
TWA 200 ppm C 300 ppm 500 ppm (10-minute maximum peak) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1500 , 1501 , 3800 , 4000;
OSHA 111
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor.
Molecular Weight
92.1
Boiling Point
232°F
Freezing Point
-139°F
Solubility
(74°F): 0.07%
Vapor Pressure
21 mmHg
Ionization Potential
8.82 eV
Specific Gravity
0.87
Flash Point
40°F
Upper Explosive Limit
7.1%
Lower Explosive Limit
1.1%
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, nose; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache; dilated pupils, lacrimation (discharge of tears); anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia; paresthesia; dermatitis; liver, kidney damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 500 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

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

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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0078   MEDICAL TESTS: 0232
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019