Flammable liquids, Category 3

Skin irritation, Category 2

Eye irritation, Category 2

Acute toxicity - Category 4, Inhalation

Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure, Category 3

Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term (Chronic) - Category Chronic 2

no data available

If inhaled

Following skin contact

Following eye contact

Following ingestion

Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Vapor or mist is irritating to the eyes, mucous membrane and upper respiratory tract. Prolonged contact can cause dermatitis, nausea, headache, dizziness, and narcotic effect. (USCG, 1999)

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds

This chemical is a flammable liquid. Poisonous gases are produced in fire. Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam. Large fires: water spray, fog, or alcohol foam. Move container from fire if you can do so without risk. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitoring nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Isolate for one-half mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped in OSHA 1910.156. Trimethyl benzenes

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. Substance may be transported hot. For hybrid vehicles, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. If molten aluminum is involved, refer to ERG Guide 169. (ERG, 2016)

Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep this chemical out of a confined space ... because of the possibility of an explosion ... It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection or your regional office of the federal EPA for specific recommendations. If employees are required to clean up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be applicable. Trimethyl benzenes

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Above 44°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Handling in a well ventilated place. Wear suitable protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Use non-sparking tools. Prevent fire caused by electrostatic discharge steam.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering a confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Trimethylbenzene must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates), and strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine) since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of this chemical. Trimethyl benzenes

Occupational Exposure limit values

Biological limit values

Ensure adequate ventilation. Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Set up emergency exits and the risk-elimination area.

Eye/face protection

Skin protection

Respiratory protection

Thermal hazards

Decomposes on burning. This produces toxic and irritating fumes. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard.

no data available

MODERATE FIRE RISK.1,2,4-TRIMETHYLBENZENE is incompatible with the following: Oxidizers, nitric acid (NIOSH, 2016).

no data available

Oxidizers (perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates), strong oxidizers (chlorine, bromine, fluorine), and nitric acid. Trimethyl benzenes

The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and irritating fumes.

Acute toxicity

• Oral: LD50 - rat (male) - 6 000 mg/kg bw.
• Inhalation: LC50 - rat (male/female) - 10 200 mg/m³ air.
• Dermal: LD50 - rat (male/female) - 4 mL/kg bw (3440 mg/kg).

Skin corrosion/irritation

Serious eye damage/irritation

Respiratory or skin sensitization

Germ cell mutagenicity

Carcinogenicity

Reproductive toxicity

STOT-single exposure

STOT-repeated exposure

Aspiration hazard

• Toxicity to fish: LC50 - Pimephales promelas - 7.72 mg/L - 96 h.
• Toxicity to daphnia and other aquatic invertebrates: LC50 - Daphnia magna - 3.6 mg/L - 48 h.
• Toxicity to algae: EC50 - Green algae - 2.356 mg/L - 96 h.
• Toxicity to microorganisms: Comparison with endogenous oxygen consumption. Classified as toxic since oxygen consumption lower than endogenous oxygen consumption. - activated sludge of a predominantly domestic sewage - 500 mg/L - 3 h. Remarks:Respiration rate.

AEROBIC: 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene present at 100 mg/L, reached 4-18% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test(1). Complete removal of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (at 0.068 ug/mL soil extract) from sandy loam soil samples contaminated with jet fuel was reported within 5 days; sterile samples with 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene at 0.057 ug/mL soil extract also showed complete removal of this compound within 5 days, probably by evaporation(2). 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene at 1.2 mg/L was completely biodegraded in an aerobic aquifer microcosm in 8 days and in a nitrate-reducing aquifer microcosm within 21 days(3). Aquifer microcosms under anaerobic conditions showed litlle biodegradation in comparison to a poisoned control over a 100 day period(3). 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene was biodegraded under denitrifying conditions in an aquifer microcosm (96% degradation in 13 days)(4). 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene at 500 mg/L was inoculated with activated sludge from three different treatment plants; during the first 24 hours this compound was toxic to all three sludges(5). In longer aeration periods, 7.5 days, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene was significantly biodegraded (oxygen uptake about 2000 mg/L)(5).

BCF values of 33-275 and 31-207 were measured in carp exposed to 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.02 mg/L, respectively(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCF values suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high, provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC).

A Koc value of 537 was measured for 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene in a German soil (80.5% sand 12.3% silt, 7.2% clay, 2.48% organic carbon). According to a suggested classification scheme(2), this Koc value suggests that 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene will have low mobility in soil(SRC).

no data available

Product

Contaminated packaging

no data available

no data available

Information on revision

Abbreviations and acronyms

• CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service
• ADR: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
• RID: Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail
• IMDG: International Maritime Dangerous Goods
• IATA: International Air Transportation Association
• TWA: Time Weighted Average
• STEL: Short term exposure limit
• LC50: Lethal Concentration 50%
• LD50: Lethal Dose 50%
• EC50: Effective Concentration 50%