Xylene Exposure: Health Risks, Symptoms & Safety

Xylene is a naturally occurring white and sweet-smelling liquid found mostly in petroleum and coal tar deposits. It is also synthesized industrially from petroleum. A marginal amount of xylene is formed during forest fires. Acute xylene exposure has some major health effects. It may delay growth and development, and even cause death.

Common side effects

• Both immediate and chronic xylene exposure can cause lack of muscle coordination, confusion, dizziness, headaches and changes in your sense of balance. It may also irritate and inflame your eyes and skin.

Acute xylene exposure

• People exposed to high levels of xylene have experienced difficulty in breathing, lung diseases, digestion problem,s liver and kidney diseases, memory difficulties and delayed reaction time. Highly dense xylene exposure can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Nervous system effects

• Chronic xylene exposure has ill effects on central nervous system. This condition is sometimes called "organic solvent syndrome."

Blood disease

• Xylene is associated with some blood-related diseases, such as leukemia. It also reduces blood platelet counts.

Liver and kidney disease

• Chronic occupational exposure to xylene can result in liver and kidney damage.