Are there risks for the health?

The main effects of xylenes on human health are respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal disturbances and narcosis. High level exposure for short period can cause central nervous system depressant reversible effects – similar to the effects of alcohol. Exposures to high levels in the presence of excessive levels of noise may result in hearing loss. The regulation limit is recommended to minimise the potential for eye and upper respiratory tract irritation and should also provide substantial protection from narcosis, gastrointestinal disturbances and chronic effects believed to result from exposure to higher concentrations. According to our current state of knowledge, today’s controls and working practices provide very good protection against the development of these symptoms.

It should be remembered that zero-risk products, whether natural or man-made, do not exist. Even common, over-the-counter pain-killers, for example, have to be taken following strict precautions, such as not exceeding a certain dose, or not ingesting them on an empty stomach. This is what "managing the risks" means.