PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Colorless to off-white crystalline solid. Odor threshold 1 ppm. Taste threshold 0.001 mg/L. (NTP, 1992)

none

This chemical is hygroscopic. Insoluble in water.

Flash point data for this chemical are not available. It is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include corrosion of the mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract, skin, and eyes; burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include severe irritation or burning of the eyes and skin; irritation of the respiratory system; dizziness, stomach pain, exhaustion, and coma. It can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause dermatitis, muscular weakness, dimness of vision, irregular and rapid breathing, ringing in the ears, weak pulse, dyspnea, and unconsciousness. It can damage the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen; and cause edema of the lungs. Inhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm, inflammation, and edema of the larynx and bronchi; chemical pneumonitis; and pulmonary edema. Chronic exposure can lead to digestive disturbances, nervous disorders, and skin eruptions.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. It is corrosive and extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. (NTP, 1992)

3,5-DIMETHYLPHENOL is incompatible with bases, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and oxidizing agents. It corrodes steel, brass, copper, and copper alloys. (NTP, 1992)

• Phenols and Cresols

No information available.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with 60-70% ethanol and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with 60-70% ethanol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this chemical under ambient temperatures, and protect it from moisture and oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)

MINIMUM PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: If Tyvek-type disposable protective clothing is not worn during handling of this chemical, wear disposable Tyvek-type sleeves taped to your gloves.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)

No information available.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Phenols are very toxic poisons AND corrosive and irritating, so that inducing vomiting may make medical problems worse. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

• 3,5-DIMETHYLPHENOL
• 3,5-DMP
• 1-HYDROXY-3,5-DIMETHYLBENZENE
• 5-HYDROXY-M-XYLENE
• M-5-XYLENOL
• SYM-M-XYLENOL
• 1,3,5-XYLENOL
• 3,5-XYLENOL