Any of a group of three isomeric aromatic hydrocarbons, di-methyl-benzene, found in coal and wood tar
proceeding, desperately, from such opiated catarrh preparations as Collis Brown's Mixture on to cocainized brain tonics, cigarettes soaked in absinthe, xylene in unventilated rooms, and so on .
Used as a solvent and in making drugs, dyes, insecticides, and gasoline Acute exposure can burn the skin and eyes, irritate the nose, mouth, and throat, cause dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness Chronic exposure may damage the liver, kidneys, skin, eyes, bone marrow, and developing fetuses