Abstract

XYLENE - ITS HEALTH HAZARDS AND BIOCOMPATIBLE SUSBTITUTES

Bharadwaj Bordoloi*

Abstract

Xylene is a hazardous chemical, a dimethylbenzene that occurs naturally in petroleum and coal tar. It has extensive use in different industries and histopathology. It is potentially toxic and flammable in nature. Histotechnicians are routinely exposed to this hazardous chemical. Because xylene is used so pervasively in histopathology, it has always been a concern for pathologists and laboratory workers, as its regular and prolonged exposure have serious health effects. Considering its toxicity, different biocompatible xylene substitutes have been evaluated. This review focuses on the health hazards of xylene and its different biocompatible substitutes.

Keywords: Xylene, Health, Hazards, Biocompatible, Substitutes.