Xylene Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Xylene Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Xylene
CAS-No. : 1330-20-7
Emergency telephone : +800 2537 8747 ( ALERT SGS- toll Free) or +65 6542 9595
number (ALERT SGS)
Restrictions on use : This product must not be used in applications other than the
above without first seeking the advice of the supplier.
2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
GHS Classification
Flammable liquids : Category 3
Aspiration hazard : Category 1
Acute toxicity (Oral) : Category 5
Acute toxicity (Dermal) : Category 4
Acute toxicity (Inhalation) : Category 4
Skin corrosion : Category 2
Eye irritation : Category 2A
Specific target organ toxicity - : Category 2
repeated exposure
Specific target organ toxicity - : Category 3 (Respiratory system)
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Precautionary statements :
Prevention:
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames
and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof electrical/ ventilating/ lighting
equipment.
P242 Use only non-sparking tools.
P243 Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
P260 Do not breathe dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray.
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye
protection/ face protection.
P273 Avoid release to the environment.
Response:
P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off
immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/
shower.
P370 + P378 In case of fire: Use appropriate media to
extinguish.
P301 + P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON
CENTER/doctor.
P331 Do NOT induce vomiting.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Storage:
P403 + P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P405 Store locked up.
Disposal:
P501 Dispose of contents and container to appropriate waste
site or reclaimer in accordance with local and national
regulations.
3. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Hazardous components
Chemical name CAS-No. Classification Concentration (%
w/w)
Xylene 1330-20-7 Flam. Liq.3; H226 > 80
Asp. Tox.1; H304
Acute Tox.5; H303
Acute Tox.4; H312
Acute Tox.4; H332
Skin Corr.2; H315
Eye Irrit.2A; H319
STOT RE2; H373
STOT SE3; H335
Aquatic Chronic3;
H412
Ethylbenzene 100-41-4 Flam. Liq.2; H225 < 20
Acute Tox.5; H303
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
4. FIRST-AID MEASURES
In case of skin contact : Remove contaminated clothing. Immediately flush skin with
large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, and follow by
washing with soap and water if available. If redness, swelling,
pain and/or blisters occur, transport to the nearest medical
facility for additional treatment.
Most important symptoms : Respiratory irritation signs and symptoms may include a
and effects, both acute and temporary burning sensation of the nose and throat, coughing,
delayed and/or difficulty breathing.
Skin irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning
sensation, redness, swelling, and/or blisters.
Eye irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning
sensation, redness, swelling, and/or blurred vision.
Ingestion may result in nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Protection of first-aiders : When administering first aid, ensure that you are wearing the
appropriate personal protective equipment according to the
incident, injury and surroundings.
5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
Suitable extinguishing media : Foam, water spray or fog. Dry chemical powder, carbon
dioxide, sand or earth may be used for small fires only.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Environmental precautions : Shut off leaks, if possible without personal risks. Remove all
possible sources of ignition in the surrounding area. Use
appropriate containment to avoid environmental
contamination. Prevent from spreading or entering drains,
ditches or rivers by using sand, earth, or other appropriate
barriers. Attempt to disperse the vapour or to direct its flow to
a safe location for example by using fog sprays. Take
precautionary measures against static discharge. Ensure
electrical continuity by bonding and grounding (earthing) all
equipment.
Monitor area with combustible gas indicator.
Methods and materials for : For small liquid spills (< 1 drum), transfer by mechanical
containment and cleaning up means to a labeled, sealable container for product recovery or
safe disposal. Allow residues to evaporate or soak up with an
appropriate absorbent material and dispose of safely. Remove
contaminated soil and dispose of safely.
For large liquid spills (> 1 drum), transfer by mechanical
means such as vacuum truck to a salvage tank for recovery or
safe disposal. Do not flush away residues with water. Retain
as contaminated waste. Allow residues to evaporate or soak
up with an appropriate absorbent material and dispose of
safely. Remove contaminated soil and dispose of safely
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
General Precautions : Avoid breathing of or direct contact with material. Only use in
well ventilated areas. Wash thoroughly after handling. For
guidance on selection of personal protective equipment see
Section 8 of this Safety Data Sheet.
Use the information in this data sheet as input to a risk
assessment of local circumstances to help determine
appropriate controls for safe handling, storage and disposal of
this material.
Ensure that all local regulations regarding handling and
storage facilities are followed.
The vapour is heavier than air, spreads along the ground and
distant ignition is possible.
Product Transfer : Even with proper grounding and bonding, this material can still
accumulate an electrostatic charge. If sufficient charge is
allowed to accumulate, electrostatic discharge and ignition of
flammable air-vapour mixtures can occur. Be aware of
handling operations that may give rise to additional hazards
that result from the accumulation of static charges. These
include but are not limited to pumping (especially turbulent
flow), mixing, filtering, splash filling, cleaning and filling of
tanks and containers, sampling, switch loading, gauging,
vacuum truck operations, and mechanical movements. These
activities may lead to static discharge e.g. spark formation.
Restrict line velocity during pumping in order to avoid
generation of electrostatic discharge (≤ 1 m/s until fill pipe
submerged to twice its diameter, then ≤ 7 m/s). Avoid splash
filling. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or
handling operations.
Storage
Conditions for safe storage : Refer to section 15 for any additional specific legislation
covering the packaging and storage of this product.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Packaging material : Suitable material: For containers, or container linings use mild
steel, stainless steel., For container paints, use epoxy paint,
zinc silicate paint.
Unsuitable material: Avoid prolonged contact with natural,
butyl or nitrile rubbers.
Container Advice : Do not cut, drill, grind, weld or perform similar operations on or
near containers.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Monitoring Methods
Monitoring of the concentration of substances in the breathing zone of workers or in the general
workplace may be required to confirm compliance with an OEL and adequacy of exposure
controls. For some substances biological monitoring may also be appropriate.
Validated exposure measurement methods should be applied by a competent person and
samples analysed by an accredited laboratory.
Examples of sources of recommended exposure measurement methods are given below or
contact the supplier. Further national methods may be available.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), USA: Manual of Analytical Methods
[Link]
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), USA: Sampling and Analytical Methods
[Link]
Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK: Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances
[Link]
Institut für Arbeitsschutz Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA) , Germany
[Link]
L'Institut National de Recherche et de Securité, (INRS), France [Link]
Engineering measures : The level of protection and types of controls necessary will
vary depending upon potential exposure conditions. Select
controls based on a risk assessment of local circumstances.
Appropriate measures include:
Use sealed systems as far as possible.
Adequate explosion-proof ventilation to control airborne
concentrations below the exposure guidelines/limits.
Local exhaust ventilation is recommended.
Firewater monitors and deluge systems are recommended.
Where material is heated, sprayed or mist formed, there is
greater potential for airborne concentrations to be generated.
Eye washes and showers for emergency use.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
General Information:
Always observe good personal hygiene measures, such as
washing hands after handling the material and before eating,
drinking, and/or smoking. Routinely wash work clothing and
protective equipment to remove contaminants. Discard
contaminated clothing and footwear that cannot be cleaned.
Practice good housekeeping.
Define procedures for safe handling and maintenance of
controls.
Educate and train workers in the hazards and control
measures relevant to normal activities associated with this
product.
Ensure appropriate selection, testing and maintenance of
equipment used to control exposure, e.g. personal protective
equipment, local exhaust ventilation.
Drain down system prior to equipment break-in or
maintenance.
Retain drain downs in sealed storage pending disposal or
subsequent recycle.
Hand protection
Remarks : Where hand contact with the product may occur the use of
gloves approved to relevant standards (e.g. Europe: EN374,
US: F739) made from the following materials may provide
suitable chemical protection. Longer term protection: Viton.
Incidental contact/Splash protection: Nitrile rubber. Suitability
and durability of a glove is dependent on usage, e.g.
frequency and duration of contact, chemical resistance of
glove material, dexterity. Always seek advice from glove
suppliers. Contaminated gloves should be replaced.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Eye protection : Wear goggles for use against liquids and gas.
Wear full face shield if splashes are likely to occur.
Skin and body protection : Wear chemical resistant gloves/gauntlets and boots. Where
risk of splashing, also wear an apron.
Wear antistatic and flame-retardant clothing.
Hygiene measures : Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking and using the
toilet.
Launder contaminated clothing before re-use.
Do not ingest. If swallowed, then seek immediate medical
assistance.
Appearance : Liquid.
Colour : colourless
Odour : aromatic
Odour Threshold : 0.27 ppm
pH : Not applicable
Melting point/freezing point : < -25 °C / -13 °F
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
0.76
Method: ASTM D 3539, nBuAc=1
Solubility(ies)
Water solubility : estimated value(s) 0.2 g/l
Partition coefficient: n- : log Pow: 3.16
octanol/water Method: Literature data.
Viscosity
Viscosity, dynamic : ca. 0.9 mPa.s (20 °C / 68 °F)
Method: ASTM D445
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Reactivity : The product does not pose any further reactivity hazards in
addition to those listed in the following sub-paragraph.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Acute toxicity
Product:
Acute oral toxicity : LD 50 Rat, male and female: > 2,000 mg/kg
Method: EC Directive 92/69/EEC B.1 Acute Toxicity (Oral)
Remarks: Based on available data, the classification criteria
are not met.
Components:
Xylene:
Acute oral toxicity : LD 50 Rat, male and female: > 2,000 mg/kg
Method: EC Directive 92/69/EEC B.1 Acute Toxicity (Oral)
Remarks: Based on available data, the classification criteria
are not met.
Ethylbenzene:
Acute oral toxicity : LD50 Rat: > 2000 - 5000 mg/kg
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Skin corrosion/irritation
Product:
Species: Rabbit
Method: Literature data
Remarks: Causes skin irritation.
Components:
Xylene:
Species: Rabbit
Method: Literature data
Remarks: Causes skin irritation.
Ethylbenzene:
Remarks: Causes skin irritation.
Components:
Xylene:
Species: Rabbit
Method: Acceptable non-standard method.
Remarks: Causes serious eye irritation.
Ethylbenzene:
Remarks: Causes serious eye irritation.
Components:
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Ethylbenzene:
Remarks: Not a sensitiser.
Based on available data, the classification criteria are not met.
Components:
Xylene:
Genotoxicity in vitro : Method: Test(s) equivalent or similar to Directive 67/548/EEC,
Annex V, B.10
Remarks: Based on available data, the classification criteria
are not met.
: Method: Test(s) equivalent or similar to Directive 67/548/EEC,
Annex V, B.19
Remarks: Based on available data, the classification criteria
are not met.
: Test species: MouseMethod: OECD Test Guideline 478
Remarks: Based on available data, the classification criteria
are not met.
Germ cell mutagenicity- : This product does not meet the criteria for classification in
Assessment categories 1A/1B.
Ethylbenzene:
: Remarks: Not mutagenic.
Carcinogenicity
Product:
Species: Rat, (male and female)
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Carcinogenicity - : This product does not meet the criteria for classification in
Assessment categories 1A/1B.
Components:
Xylene:
Species: Rat, (male and female)
Application Route: Oral
Method: Test(s) equivalent or similar to Directive 67/548/EEC, Annex V, B.32
Remarks: Based on available data, the classification criteria are not met.
Carcinogenicity - : This product does not meet the criteria for classification in
Assessment categories 1A/1B.
Ethylbenzene:
Reproductive toxicity
Product:
: Species: Rat
Sex: male and female
Application Route: Inhalation
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Reproductive toxicity - : This product does not meet the criteria for classification in
Assessment categories 1A/1B.
Components:
Xylene:
: Species: Rat
Sex: male and female
Application Route: Inhalation
Reproductive toxicity - : This product does not meet the criteria for classification in
Assessment categories 1A/1B.
Ethylbenzene:
Components:
Xylene:
Exposure routes: Inhalation
Target Organs: Respiratory Tract
Remarks: High concentrations may cause central nervous system depression resulting in
headaches, dizziness and nausea; continued inhalation may result in unconsciousness.,
Inhalation of vapours or mists may cause irritation to the respiratory system., May cause
respiratory irritation.
Ethylbenzene:
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Components:
Xylene:
Exposure routes: Inhalation
Target Organs: Auditory system
Remarks: May cause damage to organs or organ systems through prolonged or repeated
exposure., Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation., Solvent abuse and noise interaction in the work environment may cause hearing
loss.
Ethylbenzene:
Remarks: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation., Auditory system: prolonged and repeated exposures to high concentrations have
resulted in hearing loss in rats. Solvent abuse and noise interaction in the work environment may
cause hearing loss., Kidney: can cause kidney damage., Liver: can cause liver damage., Central
nervous system: repeated exposure affects the nervous system.
Rat, male:
Application Route: Inhalation
Test atmosphere: vapour
Method: Literature data
Target Organs: Auditory system
Remarks: Over exposures of humans to xylene or xylene solvent mixtures produced
predominately central nervous system (CNS) effects with less common effects reported to the
lung, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney and heart.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Components:
Xylene:
Rat, male and female:
Application Route: Oral
Method: Test(s) equivalent or similar to OECD Test Guideline 408
Target Organs: No specific target organs noted
Remarks: Over exposures of humans to xylene or xylene solvent mixtures produced
predominately central nervous system (CNS) effects with less common effects reported to the
lung, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney and heart.
Available animal and human results in auditory system provide limited evidence that xylenes
may induce decrements in human hearing, and it was unclear if these changes were temporary
or permanent.
Rat, male:
Application Route: Inhalation
Test atmosphere: vapour
Method: Literature data
Target Organs: Auditory system
Remarks: Over exposures of humans to xylene or xylene solvent mixtures produced
predominately central nervous system (CNS) effects with less common effects reported to the
lung, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney and heart.
Available animal and human results in auditory system provide limited evidence that xylenes
may induce decrements in human hearing, and it was unclear if these changes were temporary
or permanent.
Aspiration toxicity
Product:
Aspiration into the lungs when swallowed or vomited may cause chemical pneumonitis which
can be fatal.
Components:
Xylene:
Aspiration into the lungs when swallowed or vomited may cause chemical pneumonitis which
can be fatal.
Ethylbenzene:
Aspiration into the lungs when swallowed or vomited may cause chemical pneumonitis which
can be fatal.
Further information
Product:
Remarks: Classifications by other authorities under varying regulatory frameworks may exist.
Components:
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Ethylbenzene:
Remarks: Classifications by other authorities under varying regulatory frameworks may exist.
Basis for assessment : Incomplete ecotoxicological data are available for this product.
The information given below is based partly on a knowledge of
the components and the ecotoxicology of similar products.
Unless indicated otherwise, the data presented is
representative of the product as a whole, rather than for
individual component(s).Incomplete ecotoxicological data are
available for this product. The information given below is
based partly on a knowledge of the components and the
ecotoxicology of similar products.
Ecotoxicity
Product:
Toxicity to fish (Acute : LC50 (Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout)): 2.6 mg/l
toxicity) Exposure time: 96 h
Method: Information given is based on data obtained from
similar substances.
Remarks: Toxic
LL/EL/IL50 > 1 <= 10 mg/l
Toxicity to crustacean (Acute : EC50 (Daphnia magna (Water flea)): 3.82 mg/l
toxicity) Exposure time: 48 h
Method: Information given is based on data obtained from
similar substances.
Remarks: Toxic
LC/EC/IC50 >1 - <=10 mg/l
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Components:
Xylene :
Toxicity to fish (Acute : LC50 (Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout)): 2.6 mg/l
toxicity) Exposure time: 96 h
Method: Information given is based on data obtained from
similar substances.
Remarks: Toxic
LL/EL/IL50 > 1 <= 10 mg/l
Toxicity to crustacean (Acute : EC50 (Daphnia magna (Water flea)): 3.82 mg/l
toxicity) Exposure time: 48 h
Method: Information given is based on data obtained from
similar substances.
Remarks: Toxic
LC/EC/IC50 >1 - <=10 mg/l
Ethylbenzene :
Toxicity to fish (Acute : Remarks: Toxic
toxicity) LC/EC/IC50 >1 - <=10 mg/l
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Xylene
Components:
Xylene :
Biodegradability : Biodegradation: 87.8 %
Exposure time: 28 d
Method: Information given is based on data obtained from
similar substances.
Remarks: Readily biodegradable.
Ethylbenzene :
Biodegradability : Remarks: Readily biodegradable.
Oxidises rapidly by photo-chemical reactions in air.
Not Persistent per IMO criteria.
International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund
definition: “A non-persistent oil is oil, which, at the time of
shipment, consists of hydrocarbon fractions, (a) at least 50%
of which, by volume, distills at a temperature of 340ºC (645ºF)
and (b) at least 95% of which, by volume, distils at a
temperature of 370ºC (700ºF) when tested by the ASTM
Method D-86/78 or any subsequent revision thereof."
Bioaccumulative potential
Product:
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Mobility in soil
Product:
Mobility : Remarks: Floats on water., If it enters soil, it will adsorb to soil
particles and will not be mobile.
Components:
Xylene :
Mobility : Remarks: Floats on water., If it enters soil, it will adsorb to soil
particles and will not be mobile.
Ethylbenzene :
Mobility : Remarks: If the product enters soil, one or more constituents
will or may be mobile and may contaminate groundwater.,
Floats on water.
Other adverse effects
Product:
Results of PBT and vPvB : The substance does not fulfill all screening criteria for
assessment persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity and hence is not
considered to be PBT or vPvB.
Components:
Xylene :
Results of PBT and vPvB : The substance does not fulfill all screening criteria for
assessment persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity and hence is not
considered to be PBT or vPvB.
Ethylbenzene :
Additional ecological : In view of the high rate of loss from solution, the product is
information unlikely to pose a significant hazard to aquatic life.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
International Regulations
ADR
UN number : 1307
Proper shipping name : XYLENES
Class : 3
Packing group : III
Labels : 3
Hazard Identification Number : 30
Environmentally hazardous : no
IATA-DGR
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Workplace Safety and Health Act & Workplace This product is subject to the SDS, Labelling,
Safety and Health (General Provision) PEL and other requirements in the Act/
Regulations Regulations.
Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (Petroleum & This product is subject to the requirements in
Flammable Materials) Regulations the Act/ Regulations.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore This product is subject to the requirements of
(Dangerous Goods, Petroleum and Explosives) this regulation.
Regulations
Environmental Protection and Management Act This product is not subject to the requirements
and Environmental Protection and in the Act/Regulations.
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
AIIC - Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals; ANTT - National Agency for Transport by Land
of Brazil; ASTM - American Society for the Testing of Materials; bw - Body weight; CMR -
Carcinogen, Mutagen or Reproductive Toxicant; DIN - Standard of the German Institute for
Standardisation; DSL - Domestic Substances List (Canada); ECx - Concentration associated with
x% response; ELx - Loading rate associated with x% response; EmS - Emergency Schedule;
ENCS - Existing and New Chemical Substances (Japan); ErCx - Concentration associated with
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SAFETY DATA SHEET
Xylene
Further information
Training advice : Provide adequate information, instruction and training for
operators.
Other information : A vertical bar (|) in the left margin indicates an amendment
from the previous version.
Sources of key data used to : The quoted data are from, but not limited to, one or more
compile the Safety Data sources of information (e.g. toxicological data from Shell
Sheet Health Services, material suppliers’ data, CONCAWE, EU
IUCLID date base, EC 1272 regulation, etc).
The information provided in this Safety Data Sheet is correct to the best of our knowledge,
information and belief at the date of its publication. The information given is designed only as a
guidance for safe handling, use, processing, storage, transportation, disposal and release and is
not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. The information relates only to the
specific material designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination with any
other materials or in any process, unless specified in the text.
SG / EN
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