Xylene–A Potential Health Hazard―A Review

Xylene is a colorless liquid with the molecular formula C8H10. A flammable, non-explosive aromatic hydrocarbon, xylene consists of a benzene ring with two attached methyl groups. Xylene occurs naturally in petroleum and small amounts occur in gasoline and jet fuel. It is used in paints, inks, glues and other products. The population at large is expected to be exposed primarily to mixed xylenes, rather than to any of the xylene isomers individually. The general population can be exposed to xylene via inhalation of indoor and workplace air, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, xylene-containing solvents, ingestion of contaminated drinking water, and dermal absorption of xylene containing products. Xylene is released primarily from industrial sources. The existence of hazards in the workplace has raised concerns about the potential of these substances for adverse effects.