NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Toluene

CAS 108-88-3

C6H5CH3

RTECS XS5250000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Methyl benzene, Methyl benzol, Phenyl methane, Toluol
DOT ID & Guide
1294 130

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)
IDLH 500 ppm See: 108883 Conversion 1 ppm = 3.77 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor.
MW: 92.1
BP: 232°F
FRZ: -139°F
Sol(74°F): 0.07%
VP: 21 mmHg
IP: 8.82 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.87
Fl.P: 40°F
UEL: 7.1%
LEL: 1.1%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1500, 1501, 3800, 4000; OSHA 111
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
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
Important additional information about respirator selection
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
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
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0078   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0232