Xylene C6H4(CH3)2 – Toxic, highly flammable and widely used
Working safely with gas detectors
Xylene (dimethylbenzene) is a commonly used solvent in varnishes, paints, adhesives and cleaning agents – and is therefore ubiquitous in numerous industries. However, despite its widespread use, xylene is a risky substance in terms of health and fire protection. Even low concentrations in the air can produce dangerous vapors – and a high explosion potential poses additional risks.
Effective gas detectors for xylene offer reliable protection here – through early detection, precise monitoring and integration into your safety infrastructure.
Xylene: Toxic by contact and inhalation – Danger to humans and the environment
Xylene vapors irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Particularly insidious: the sweet smell is often perceived as harmless – but the odor threshold is well above the permitted limit.
Toxicological limits & symptoms:
- AGW (occupational exposure limit value): 100 ppm (445 mg/m³)
- Odor threshold: 0.08 – 3.7 ppm
- Acute symptoms: dizziness, nausea, headache
- Long-term consequences: Organ damage, chronic respiratory diseases
Gas Detectors sound the alarm long before odors are detected – saving lives and health.
Explosion hazard due to xylene: Invisible danger in closed rooms
Xylene is not only toxic – it is also highly flammable. Explosive mixtures are formed with air even at room temperature. Storage rooms, paint booths, workshops or recycling plants are particularly at risk, where vapors can escape unnoticed.
Explosion-relevant data:
- Lower explosion limit (LEL): approx. 1.1 % vol.
- Upper explosion limit (UEL): approx. 7 % by volume
- Flash point: approx. 25 °C
- Ignition temperature: approx. 464 °C
- Vapors heavier than air – collect close to the ground
Our ATEX-certified gas warning devices for xylene detect dangerous concentrations at an early stage and enable automatic countermeasures such as ventilation activation or system shutdowns.
Gas detectors for xylene – For industrial safety and personal protection
Our xylene-specific gas detection systems use state-of-the-art PID sensors (photoionization) as well as catalytic and explosion-proof detectors – depending on the area of application.
Your advantages with our xylene gas detectors:
- Early detection of toxic and explosive concentrations
- Real-time monitoring in sensitive zones
- Automatic alarm & ventilation control
- Portable & stationary versions
- Robust industrial design – ideal for paint shops, hazardous goods areas and much more.
- ATEX-certified for potentially explosive atmospheres
- Integration into existing security systems
Typical areas of application for xylene gas detectors
- Paint stores & paint manufacturers
- Chemical & pharmaceutical industry
- Print shops and packaging companies
- Laboratories & research facilities
- Tank farm and hazardous goods handling
- Vehicle and aircraft construction
- Recycling and waste disposal companies
Conclusion: Detect xylene safely – protect health and operations
Xylene is indispensable, but dangerous – both in terms of health and safety. Our professional gas detectors for xylene enable a safe working environment through precise measurement, early warning and reliable monitoring – for your employees, systems and compliance with legal regulations.
The following gas sensors and systems from Bieler+Lang can detect xylene
We will be happy to advise you on the selection of suitable detectors and the corresponding evaluation devices for your individual application.
