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Short answer
a toluene safety data sheet (SDS) classifies toluene (CAS 108-88-3) as a highly flammable liquid (H225) that is aspiration-hazardous (H304), irritating to skin (H315), may cause drowsiness or dizziness (H336), is suspected of damaging the unborn child (H361d) and may cause organ damage through prolonged exposure (H373). Its signal word is Danger. The exact list differs slightly between suppliers, so always work from the SDS that came with your own container.
This page is for lab staff and EHS officers who need to read a toluene SDS quickly and know what each section should tell them. It is general safety information, not individual medical or legal advice.
Definition and scope
A safety data sheet is the standardised 16-section hazard document that chemical suppliers must provide under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200, Appendix D). Laboratories have narrower duties under 1910.1200(b)(3): keep incoming labels intact and keep incoming SDSs accessible. For the history of the older MSDS format, see SDS vs MSDS. This page covers toluene only; read the sheet for any mixture or grade variant you hold.
Toluene hazards: what the classification says
PubChem (CID 1140, aggregating the ECHA classification and labelling inventory) lists the GHS pictograms GHS02 (flame), GHS07 (exclamation mark) and GHS08 (health hazard), signal word Danger. The primary hazard statements are H225, H304, H315, H336, H361d and H373. Precautionary statements on that record include P210 (keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces), P233 (keep container tightly closed), P280 (wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection), P301+P316 (if swallowed, get emergency medical help immediately) and P501 (dispose of contents and container according to regulations).
Toluene flash point
The NIOSH Pocket Guide gives a flash point of 40 °F for toluene. Manufacturer sheets report it in Celsius: a Merck Millipore page lists 4.4 °C, and Sigma-Aldrich product 244511 currently lists 4.4 °C closed cup (older Sigma-Aldrich SDS versions show 4.0 °C). Because the flash point is well below normal room temperature, vapour can ignite from a spark or hot surface at ambient temperature, which is why H225 and the P210, P233 and P240 to P243 handling statements apply.
Toluene storage and incompatibilities
NIOSH lists strong oxidizers as the incompatible class. Storage requirements are in SDS Section 7 (handling and storage, including incompatibilities) and Section 10 (stability and reactivity). Storage class codes and cabinet requirements vary by supplier and jurisdiction, so take them from Section 7 of your own SDS and your institution’s chemical hygiene plan.
Toluene disposal
SDS Section 13 (disposal considerations) is not mandated by OSHA’s appendix, so some sheets are brief. The PubChem record carries P501: dispose of contents and container in accordance with regulations. Waste classification is set by local and national rules and your EHS office; the RCRA hazardous waste codes guide explains how US waste codes are assigned.
Where to find it: the 16 sections applied to toluene
OSHA Appendix D fixes the section order. Sections 12 to 15 may be included but are not mandated by OSHA; Section 16 (including the revision date) is required. The table maps sections to the toluene values from the sources above.
| SDS section | What to read for toluene | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hazard identification | Danger; GHS02, GHS07, GHS08; H225, H304, H315, H336, H361d, H373 | PubChem CID 1140 |
| 7 Handling and storage | Incompatible with strong oxidizers; keep away from ignition sources (P210) | NIOSH; PubChem |
| 8 Exposure controls / PPE | OSHA PEL 200 ppm TWA, 300 ppm ceiling; NIOSH REL 100 ppm TWA, 150 ppm STEL; IDLH 500 ppm; prevent skin and eye contact; remove wet clothing because it is flammable | NIOSH Pocket Guide |
| 9 Physical and chemical properties | Flash point about 4 °C (40 °F) | NIOSH; supplier SDSs |
| 13 Disposal | Dispose per regulations (P501); follow local waste rules | PubChem |
| 16 Other | Check the revision date | OSHA Appendix D |
Why two toluene SDSs can differ
GHS classification is applied by each supplier or notifier, so sheets are not identical. PubChem notes that other notifications list additional codes (for example H303, H332, H320, H335, H360, H362, H370, H372, H401 and H412), and one Sigma-Aldrich sheet includes H361d. Flash point is reported slightly differently across sources and SDS versions (40 °F per NIOSH, 4.0 °C on older sheets, 4.4 °C on current ones).
| Item | Value A | Value B |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard statements | Primary set on PubChem: H225, H304, H315, H336, H361d, H373 | Other notifiers add further codes, including H360 and H372 |
| Flash point | 4.0 °C (older Sigma-Aldrich SDS versions) | 4.4 °C (current Sigma-Aldrich 244511 page; Merck Millipore page) |
| Airborne limit, 8-hour TWA | OSHA PEL 200 ppm | NIOSH REL 100 ppm |
For how PELs, TLVs and RELs relate, see exposure limits in the laboratory.
How a toluene SDS is used in practice: where it matters in the lab
NIOSH lists respirators up to 500 ppm as organic-vapor cartridge or canister types, with higher-protection options such as self-contained breathing apparatus, and advises preventing skin and eye contact. Glove material matters because toluene is a strong organic solvent; see the chemical-resistant glove selection guide and the glove compatibility chart entry. For physical properties beyond safety, see toluene boiling point.
Common misunderstandings
- The PEL is the safe level. The OSHA PEL (200 ppm) is twice the NIOSH REL (100 ppm); they are different regulatory and recommendation instruments.
- All toluene SDSs are identical. They are not; classification and property values vary by supplier.
- An MSDS is an SDS. The 16-section GHS format replaced the older MSDS layouts.
FAQ
Where do I get a toluene SDS PDF?
From the supplier of your container, for example the Sigma-Aldrich, Thermo Fisher or Spectrum Chemical product pages. Use the sheet matching your catalogue number.
What is the flash point of toluene?
About 4 °C (40 °F) closed cup: 40 °F per NIOSH, 4.4 °C on current Sigma-Aldrich and Merck Millipore pages.
Is toluene reproductively hazardous?
The primary PubChem classification includes H361d, suspected of damaging the unborn child. Raise any exposure concern with your EHS office or a physician.
How do I dispose of toluene?
Follow SDS Section 13, the P501 statement and your institution’s hazardous waste procedure.
Sources
- PubChem, Toluene (CID 1140), GHS classification, read 2026-11-08.
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Toluene, read 2026-11-08.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix D, Safety Data Sheets, read 2026-11-08.
- Supplier product pages: Sigma-Aldrich 244511 and Merck Millipore, read 2026-11-08.
