Toluene - C7H8
Toluene - C7H8
This page brings together the main information on toluene or " methylbenzene " (C7H8) such as its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (C78H8 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type A gas filter).
Main characteristics of toluene (C7H8)
Intensively produced during the Second World War for its essential role in the manufacture of TNT, methylbenzene (C7H8) or toluene is a volatile organic compound used in a very large number of sectors of activity such as construction (solvent for paints, glues or varnishes), printing (ink) or the pharmaceutical industry. It is also found in certain petroleum products to improve the octane rating in fuels.
Health effects of toluene
With a characteristic odor (solvent), toluene (C7H8) is a colorless , flammable and explosive gas. It reacts with many volatile organic compounds and oxidants to form even more explosive mixtures. It is also very harmful, even fatal if swallowed or enters the respiratory tract. Chronic exposures have serious effects on vital organs and can harm the health of the fetus in pregnant women.
C7H8 (Toluene) gas detector
Despite a discernible odor, only a C7H8 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Although explosive at 1.2% volume, an explosiveness measurement is useless with this highly toxic gas, so we will move towards a detection of toluene in ppm .
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, toluene standard gas cylinders are available.
Respiratory protection toluene (C7H8)
Respiratory protection for toluene (C7H8) Highly toxic, we will move towards filtering respiratory protection such as a half-mask or a full mask for short-term interventions or towards a powered ventilation device (more comfortable) with type A anti-gas filters. If the concentrations exceed 60 times the VLEP, an isolating respiratory device will be essential.