Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 435 OF 2834

Main Title Assessment of Ortho-Xylene as a Potential Air Pollution Problem. Volume X.
Author Patterson, Robert M. ; Bornstein, Mark I. ; Garshick., Eric ;
CORP Author GCA Corp., Bedford, Mass. GCA Technology Div.;Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Year Published 1976
Report Number GCA-TR-75-32-G(10); EPA-68-02-1337;
Stock Number PB-258 362
Additional Subjects Xylenes ; Air pollution ; Chemical properties ; Physical properties ; Public health ; Industrial wastes ; Chemical industry ; Combustion products ; Assessments ; Air pollution control ; Toxicity ; Concentration(Composition) ; Sources ; Humans ; Plants(Botany) ; Animals ; Solvents ; Incinerators ; Air pollution effects(Humans) ; Air pollution effects(Animals) ; Air pollution effects(Plants) ; Air pollution effects(Materials) ; Activated charcoal
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NTIS  PB-258 362 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 28p
Abstract
Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid having an aromatic odor similar to that of benzene and toluene. There are three isomers of xylene: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. Data linking ortho-xylene exposure with health effects are lacking, due to the almost always concomitant benzene and toluene. Ortho-xylene is an irritant and narcotic at high concentrations, producing effects similar to alcohol intoxication. The primary emission sources in descending order are mixed xylene solvent usage, mixed xylene production, ortho-xylene production and solvent usage, and bulk storage. Total emissions are estimated to have been about 184 million pounds in 1974. Although emission controls specifically for ortho-xylene are not reported, two types of controls are used extensively by the chemical industry to control hydrocarbon emissions. These are vapor recovery and incineration. Control by adsorption on activated charcoal is used when recovery is economically desirable. Based on the results of the health effects research presented in this report, and the ambient concentration estimates, it appears that ortho-xylene as an air pollutant does not pose a threat to the health of the general population. In addition, ortho-xylene does not appear to pose other environmental insults which would warrant further investigation or restriction of its use at the present time.