ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
TOLUENE (C6H5CH3)
SYNONYMS
Toluol, phenyl methane, methyl benzene, methylbenzol,
methylbenzene, phenylmethane.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Mutagen, do not allow staff who are pregnant to handle toluene.
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact causes dermatitis.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour narcotic.
Keep away from heat, sparks or naked flames.
Do not store close to strong oxidants and metal alkalis.
Do not dispose of down the sink.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, highly flammable liquid with an aromatic,
benzenelike odour. The vapour is heavier than air and may
travel a considerable distance along the ground to a source of
ignition and flash back.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Toluene is a flammable liquid. It is a central nervous system
depressant and a skin and eye irritant. Extreme exposure may
result in death from respiratory paralysis. It can be absorbed
into the body by inhalation, ingestion and through the skin. Use
of alcoholic beverages will enhance the toxic effects. Toluene
is a mutagen and should not be handled by staff who are
pregnant. Acute exposure to the skin may cause irritation,
scaling, cracking and dermatitis. Skin absorption does occur but
it is a slow route of entry into the body and usually too slow
to cause a systemic poisoning. A splash to the eye causes
temporary corneal damage and conjunctivitis. The most rapid
route of entry is through the pulmonary system and narcosis can
develop before signs of irritation are apparent. 100ppm can
produce hallucinations. 200 to 600ppm for prolonged periods
causes respiratory tract irritation, fatigue, weakness,
confusion, headache, nausea, anorexia, bad taste, lassitude,
impaired coordination, hilarity, euphoria, dizziness and dilated
pupils. 800ppm causes rapid irritation, nasal mucus section,
metallic taste, drowsiness and impaired balance. Kidney and
renal damage may occur. Recovery is slow and can take up to six
months. At 2,000ppm death may occur. Ingestion will result in
serious burns to the mouth and oesophagus. There could be
abdominal pain followed by vomiting and diarrhoea. Asphyxia can
occur from swelling of the throat. Perforation of the stomach
and oesophagus can occur.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and shoes and immediately
wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large
amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been
removed (approximately 15 minutes). Seek medical advice.
Eyes if eye contact occurs immediately wash the affected eye
with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical
has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). Seek medical
attention.
Inhalation immediately remove the patient from exposure. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion if the patient is conscious and not convulsive wash
the mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting but seek immediate
medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Toluene is incompatible with:
Strong oxidising agents forms explosive products.
Acids, mixed runaway or explosive nitration reaction.
Tetranitromethane extremely violent explosive reaction.
Silver perchlorate an explosive product.
Nitrogen tetroxide possible explosion.
Nitric acid intense reaction.
Nitronium perchlorate explosive reaction.
Heating may produce toxic oxides of carbon.
Do not dispose of waste material down laboratory sinks as this
may constitute a fire or explosion hazard.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or naked flames.
Store in a well ventilated area away from strong oxidisers and
incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood that will keep exposure levels below the
recommended threshold limit, ie. 100ppm NIOSH and TWA, 200ppm
OSHA. Above this level a respirator is recommended. If levels of
exposure exceed 1,000ppm a selfcontained breathing apparatus is
recommended. Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye
contamination or inhaling fumes. A long sleeved laboratory coat
or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a
minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak: keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid: absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid: sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas leak: pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit
and allow to burn.
A liquid: atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid: make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT:
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