# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Toluene | CAS 108-88-3
C6H5CH3 | RTECS XS5250000
Synonyms & Trade Names Methyl benzene, Methyl benzol, Phenyl methane, Toluol | DOT ID & Guide 1294 130
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (375 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (560 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 200 ppm C 300 ppm 500 ppm (10-minute maximum peak)
IDLH 500 ppm | Conversion 1 ppm = 3.77 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor.
MW: 92.1 | BP: 232°F | FRZ: -139°F | Sol(74°F): 0.07%
VP: 21 mmHg | IP: 8.82 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 0.87
Fl.P: 40°F | UEL: 7.1% | LEL: 1.1% |
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1500, 1501, 3800, 4000; OSHA 111
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: No recommendation | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash promptly Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH Up to 500 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece 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/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, nose; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache; dilated pupils, lacrimation (discharge of tears); anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia; paresthesia; dermatitis; liver, kidney damage
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys
See also: INTRODUCTION