# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
m-Cresol | CAS 108-39-4
CH3C6H4OH | RTECS GO6125000
Synonyms & Trade Names meta-Cresol, 3-Cresol, m-Cresylic acid, 1-Hydroxy-3-methylbenzene, 3-Hydroxytoluene, 3-Methyl phenol | DOT ID & Guide 2076 153
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 2.3 ppm (10 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 5 ppm (22 mg/m3) [skin]
IDLH 250 ppm | Conversion 1 ppm = 4.43 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless to yellowish liquid with a sweet, tarry odor. [Note: A solid below 54°F.]
MW: 108.2 | BP: 397°F | FRZ: 54°F | Sol: 2%
VP(77°F): 0.14 mmHg | IP: 8.98 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 1.03
Fl.P: 187°F | UEL: ? | LEL(300°F): 1.1% |
Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, acids
Measurement Methods NIOSH 2546; OSHA 32
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: Daily Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH Up to 23 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a dust and mist filter/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 57.5 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a dust and mist filter Up to 115 ppm: (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter*/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode*/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Up to 250 ppm: (APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; central nervous system effects: confusion, depression, respiratory failure; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), irregular rapid respiration, weak pulse; eye, skin burns; dermatitis; lung, liver, kidney, pancreas damage
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys, pancreas, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION