Open AccessHealth Hazards of Xylene: A Literature Review
Author(s) -
Sharada T Rajan,
Malathi Narasimhan
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of clinical and diagnostic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-782X
pISSN - 0973-709X
DOI - 10.7860/jcdr/2014/7544.4079
Subject(s) - xylene , vapours , flammable liquid , solvent , environmental chemistry , aromatic hydrocarbon , chemistry , hydrocarbon , organic chemistry , medicine , toluene , psychiatry
Xylene, an aromatic hydrocarbon is widely used in industry and medical laboratory as a solvent. It is a flammable liquid that requires utmost care during its usage. On exposure the vapours are rapidly absorbed through the lungs and the slowly through the skin. Prolonged exposure to xylene leads to significant amount of solvent accumulation in the adipose and muscle tissue. This article reviews the various acute and chronic health effects of xylene through various routes of exposure.