Stronger effect / evidence
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Weaker effect / evidence

Xylenes

CAS: 1330-20-7

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) Effects

Toxic To Humans & Animals, priority yellow
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Can be fatal on contact, ingestion or inhalation for humans and other mammals.
Irritates The Skin, priority yellow
Irritates the Skin – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the skin.
Irritates The Eyes, priority orange
Irritates the Eyes – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the eye.

Chronic (Long Term) Effects

Brain/nervous System Harm, priority gray
Brain/Nervous System Harm – Can cause damage to the nervous system including the brain.
Cancer, priority gray
Cancer – Can cause or increase the risk of cancer.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior (the endocrine system).
Birth Defects, priority gray
Birth Defects – Can cause harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Other Health Effects, priority orange
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.
Reproductive Harm, priority orange
Reproductive Harm – Can disrupt the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of the fetus during pregnancy.

Inherent Hazards

Restricted List, priority gray
Restricted List – This chemical is on a list from an authoritative body recommending that its use be avoided.
Flammable, priority yellow
Flammable – Easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly.

How does this chemical impact the environment?

Immediate Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – A single exposure may result in severe biological harm or death to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Long-term Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Long term exposure may result in irreversible harm to fish or other aquatic organisms.

What safer alternatives are available for this chemical?

Find case studies related to substitutions for this chemical in SubsPORT, the substitution support portal.

How am I likely to be exposed to this chemical?

Harmful in contact with skin
Skin contact
Harmful if inhaled
Inhalation

How can I protect myself from exposure to this chemical in the workplace?

gloves
Handle with gloves
respirator
Respirator