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Site Health and Safety Plan Page 8 <br />solvent in paints and industrial coatings, nylon, rubber, plastics, resins, rubber, and <br />miscellaneous uses of organic chemicals, and general use solvent. <br />Inhalation is the principal exposure route for occupational and residential settings. <br />Inhalation exposure in indoor air may result from the use common household products such <br />as paints, paint thinners, adhesives, nail polish and synthetic fragrances. <br />The OSHA PEL for toluene is 200 ppm (750 mg/m3). The National Institute of Occupational <br />Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL) is 100 ppm (375 mg/m3). <br />The short-term exposure limit (STEL) is 500 ppm (1,875 mg/m3). <br />Studies in workers and animals of exposure to toluene generally indicate toluene is not a <br />known or suspected human carcinogen 2. <br />3.3.5 Ethylbenzene <br />CAS # 100-41-4 <br />Ethylbenzene is a colorless flammable liquid at room temperature with a distinct gasoline <br />type odor. Ethylbenzene is naturally found in coal tar and petroleum, and may be found in <br />manufacture products including inks, pesticides, and paint. <br />Ethylbenzene is primarily used as a chemical intermediate and the industrial manufacture of <br />styrene. Moreover, ethylbenzene is often used in industry as a solvent, and petroleum fuels, <br />and to make other chemical compounds. <br />The principal route of exposure to ethylbenzene is inhalation. Ethylbenzene may be released <br />into the air from burning hydrocarbons including oil, gas, and coal. Moreover, occupational <br />exposure may occur from working with the compound, compounds that contain <br />ethylbenzene, and in the oil and gas industry. <br />Over exposure to ethylbenzene may result in eye irritation, upper respiratory irritation, <br />headache and dermatitis. Acute over exposure may result in more serious health hazards <br />(i.e., coma). <br />The OSHA PEL for ethylbenzene is 435 mg/m3 (100 ppm). <br />3.3.6 Xylene <br />CAS # 1330-20-7 <br />Xylene is a colorless, sweet smelling flammable liquid. There are three forms of xylene in <br />which the methyl groups vary on the benzene ring: meta-xylene, ortho-xylene, and para- <br />Xylene is used as a chemical intermediate, as well as a solvent in the printing, rubber, and <br />leather industries. It is also used as a cleaning agent, a thinner for paint, and in paints and <br />varnishes. Xylene is often found in aviation fuel and gasoline. <br />Exposure to xylene occurs in the workplace through using products containing xylene such <br />as paint, gasoline, paint thinners and other products. Inhalation is the principal route of <br />exposure for both occupational and nonoccupational population. Xylene may be found in <br />contaminated food or water, cigarette smoke, and emissions from car and truck traffic. <br /> <br />2 ASTDR (2017). Toxicological Profile for Toluene. USHHS. Atlanta, GA, US Department of Health and Human Services