[Christ]

Nitrile works fine (according to OSHA) when you're only using the chemical xylene or toluene as a solvent to clean tooling. Which is it's PRIMARY function in my life. Handling it with nitrile for long enough to pour it into a can of gas and mix isn't going to deteriorate the gloves, and they're disposed of after each use.

As far as not getting burned with light contact, this is only true if you have less than normal skin, or if your skin is naturally oily. How would I know this? I used to get it on me all the time, hence the reason you SHOULD wear at least sleeves, if not an apron.

In a laboratory, the environment is much different than in the rest of the world, where you're handling these chemicals like they're an everyday part of your life. (because they are).

You put a caulk gun into the bucket, toss your slickers (spatulas, caulk knives) into the bucket, put the lid on it, and move to the next job site. Once you're there, clean your stuff up with rags, put the used rags in bags, wipe yourself down to remove the chemical from your skin, and go to work.

If you're smart, while you're getting ready to get your tools out, you'll put on either long gloves or gloves and sleeves, possibly toss an apron over your head. It's called common sense.

In most cases, over protecting yourself is the best way to go.

And I know from personal experience how fast Xylene can burn you, and I know from OSHA training to use Dn-A to clean it off your skin, as water will not remove the residue, and it will continue to burn. (Water beads in the presence of most aromatic chemicals.)

I understand your enthusiasm in trying to make sure that everyone knows the "facts" about the chemical, but my overprotective post on chemical safety was equally valid, due to the non-laboratory conditions that you and I both know will occur.

Also - when you say that taking the "most dangerous chemical in the world" approach isn't always smart, I completely disagree with this.

Thinking that people will not react properly when they come in contact with more dangerous chemicals is not a valid point, since if you're constantly reacting like it's the most dangerous chemical in the world, you won't know to react any differently, therefore, you WILL NOT be more apt to use less caution with the more dangerous chemicals.

Frankly, I've been a firm believer in using AT THE VERY LEAST some form of nearly full body protection while handling almost any chemical. I wear gloves even when dumping gas into my dad's lawnmower. Granted, I don't glove my hands or wear protection when pumping gas into my car, but I stand clear so that a spray will have minimal contact area on my body.