Xylene

A general fact sheet to help businesses (PCBU) manage the risks of Xylene (also known as Dimethyl Benzene) in the workplace.

Xylene, also known as Dimethyl Benzene, is a colourless, sweet smelling liquid or gas that is widely used as a solvent. It also occurs naturally in petroleum, coal and wood tar.

Xylene is a common component of solvents used in the printing, painting, rubber, leather and agricultural industries. It is found in glues, adhesives, printing inks, paint thinners, degreaser products, solvents and sealants. However, it can also be found in petrol and cigarette smoke. Xylene may also be used in pathology and research laboratories to prepare or preserve tissue samples for analysis.

Read our Xylene Technical Fact Sheet.

Harms

Exposure to Xylene can occur through inhalation, ingestion or direct contact with the skin or eyes. The health effects observed depend on both the concentration and the duration of exposure in a worker.

Skin, eyes and respiratory irritation.

Short term (acute exposures) Xylene acts as an irritant to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dryness and redness of the skin resulting in dermatitis. Breathing in Xylene vapour can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

Headaches, dizziness, vertigo and nausea.

Xylene also acts on the central nervous system and can result in headaches, dizziness, vertigo and nausea. Although uncommon, exposure to high concentrations of Xylene can result in death from respiratory failure.

Longer term (chronic exposures) symptoms may include headaches, chest pain, abnormal heart function, breathing difficulties, decreased lung function, decreased oxygen in the blood (resulting in blue hands), decreased white blood cell count and confusion.

Exposure to both Xylene and noise may result in an increased risk of hearing loss in workers.

Control Measures

SafeWork NSW recommends you follow a hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise a hazard.

Eliminate use if possible

Eliminate the use of Xylene containing chemicals if reasonably practicable.

Other controls

Employ engineering controls, in particular:

  • ensure adequate local exhaust ventilation or isolation are in place when undertaking high exposure activities.
  • use well maintained and appropriate personal protective equipment such as respirators, safety goggles, chemical resistant clothing and gloves.
  • instruct and train workers in the correct fitting, use and maintenance of PPE.
  • ensure that instructions and controls outlined in Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers specifications, product labels and any instructions provided by your supervisors and managers are followed.
  • ensure safety equipment is available (e.g. eye wash and showers).
  • conduct health monitoring of workers where there is a significant risk to health because of exposure to Xylene.
  • ensure that instructions and controls outlined in Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers specifications, product labels and any instructions provided by supervisors and managers are followed.

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