Toluene

Classification

Flammable liquid, Category 2; Aspiration hazard, Category 1; Skin irritation, Category 2; STOT single exposure, Category 3 (drowsiness or dizziness); Reproductive toxicity, Category 2; STOT repeated exposure, Category 2

Hazard statements

• H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
• H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
• H315 Causes skin irritation.
• H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
• H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Key precautionary statements

• P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
• P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
• P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
• P260 Do not breathe vapors.
• P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
• P301+P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.
• P331 Do NOT induce vomiting.
• P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

OSHA general industry limits come from Table Z-2: 200 ppm TWA, a 300 ppm ceiling, and a 500 ppm peak allowed for no more than 10 minutes per 8-hour shift. The OSHA construction and maritime PEL is 200 ppm TWA. NIOSH recommends 100 ppm TWA with a 150 ppm STEL, and the ACGIH TLV is 20 ppm TWA. Cal/OSHA is notably stricter at 10 ppm TWA with a skin notation, a 150 ppm STEL and a 500 ppm ceiling. Toluene can be absorbed through the skin. State OSHA plans may set different limits.

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor
• Molecular weight: 92.1
• Boiling point: 232°F (111°C)
• Freezing point: -139°F (-95°C)
• Flash point: 40°F (4°C), Class IB flammable liquid
• Autoignition temperature: 896°F (480°C)
• Explosive limits: LEL 1.1%, UEL 7.1%
• Vapor pressure: 21 mmHg
• Specific gravity: 0.87 (floats on water)
• Water solubility: 0.07% at 74°F (slightly soluble)

Inhalation

Irritates the nose and eyes. Causes headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, euphoria and drowsiness; very high levels can cause loss of consciousness.

Skin

Causes skin irritation and, with repeated contact, drying and dermatitis. It can be absorbed through the skin.

Eyes

Irritates the eyes and causes tearing.

Ingestion

Swallowing is dangerous because the liquid can be breathed into the lungs, which may be fatal. Do not induce vomiting; get medical attention immediately.

Target organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys

Long-term effects

Repeated exposure can damage the nervous system and may cause liver and kidney damage. Toluene is suspected of damaging the unborn child, so pregnant workers should keep exposure as low as possible.

Gloves

The New Jersey Department of Health lists Viton, Silver Shield/4H and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves, with more than 4 hours of breakthrough time. PVA gloves break down in water.

Eyes and face

Chemical splash goggles; add a face shield for large transfers.

Respiratory

Use local exhaust ventilation first. Above exposure limits, NIOSH lists respirators with organic vapor cartridges or canisters (up to 500 ppm). Use a pressure-demand SCBA for emergencies or unknown concentrations.

Clothing

Chemical-resistant clothing for splash risk. Remove clothing promptly if wet, because it is flammable, and wash skin when contaminated.

Store in tightly closed containers in a flammable-liquid cabinet or approved flammables area that is cool, dry and well ventilated, away from heat, sparks and flame.

Ground and bond containers during transfer, use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment, and prevent static discharge. Use only with adequate ventilation.

Keep away from

• Strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, nitrates, perchlorates, chlorine and fluorine)

• Eliminate all ignition sources and ventilate the area.
• Evacuate unprotected people; vapors are heavier than air and can travel to ignition sources.
• Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
• Soak up with vermiculite, dry sand, earth or other inert absorbent and place in closed containers for disposal.
• Keep out of drains, sewers and confined spaces.
• For larger spills, refer to ERG Guide 130.

Suitable extinguishing media

• Dry chemical
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Alcohol-resistant foam
• Water spray to cool closed containers and knock down vapors (water may not put out the fire)

Special hazards

Highly flammable. Vapors are heavier than air, can form explosive mixtures with air, travel along the ground and flash back. Containers may explode when heated. Fires produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective gear.

• OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Hazardous chemical; labels, safety data sheets and worker training required.
• OSHA Flammable Liquids (29 CFR 1910.106): Class IB flammable liquid.
• OSHA Air Contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-2): 200 ppm TWA; 300 ppm ceiling; 500 ppm 10-minute peak.
• CERCLA hazardous substance (40 CFR 302.4): Reportable quantity 1,000 lb (454 kg).
• EPCRA Section 302 (40 CFR 355): Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance.
• EPCRA Section 313 / TRI (40 CFR 372.65): Listed; reportable since 1987.
• Clean Air Act: Listed as a hazardous air pollutant; not listed under the 112(r) Risk Management Program (40 CFR 68.130).
• DOT Hazardous Materials (49 CFR 172.101): UN1294 Toluene, Class 3, PG II.

• NIOSH Pocket Guide: Toluene
• OSHA Occupational Chemical Database: Toluene
• PubChem: Toluene GHS classification
• Fisher Scientific SDS: Toluene
• NJ Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Toluene