Air pollution

Toluene

Properties of toluene is described below

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are formed easily. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; (skin); A4; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAC: 50 ppm, 190 mg/m³; H;
Peak limitation category: II(4); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm C 300 ppm 500 ppm (10-minute maximum peak)
NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (375 mg/m³) ST 150 ppm (560 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 500 ppm

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system . If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure at high levels may result in cardiac dysrhythmiaandunconsciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system . Exposure to the substance may enhance hearing damage caused by exposure to noise. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

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For more information see website:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0078.html