Common Name: Benzene
CAS Number: 71-43-2
DOT Number: UN 1114
Date: January, 1988
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Benzene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through
your skin.
* Benzene is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* Exposure can cause you to become dizzy and lightheaded. Higher
levels can cause convulsions and death.
* Exposure can irritate the nose and throat and may cause an
upset stomach and vomiting.
* Benzene can cause an irregular heart beat that can lead to
death.
* Prolonged exposure can cause fatal damage to the blood
(aplastic anemia).
* Benzene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Benzene is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is used
mainly in making other chemicals, as a solvent, and is found in
gasoline.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Benzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, IARC, NTP,
CAG, DEP, NFPA and EPA.
* It is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it
is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN and is FLAMMABLE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA
1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling
results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing
any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to
recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with
you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 12.0 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift, and 5 ppm which
should not be exceeded in any 10 minute period.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1.0 ppm,
which should not be exceeded during any 60 minute
period.
* Benzene is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There may be no
safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should
be reduced to the lowest possible level.
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. Skin
contact may also cause overexposure.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Benzene
is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Benzene and at
the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Benzene to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
__________________________________________
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Benzene:
* Exposure can cause symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness,
headaches, and vomiting. Convulsions and coma, or sudden death
from irregular heart beat, may follow high exposures.
* Exposure can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Benzene and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* Benzene is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause
leukemia.
* Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen.
Reproductive Hazard
* There is limited evidence that Benzene is a teratogen in
animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be
treated as a possible teratogen in humans.
Other Long Term Effects
* Repeated exposure can damage the blood forming organs causing
a condition called aplastic anemia. This can cause death.
* Long term exposure may cause drying and scaling of the skin.
MEDICAL TESTING
Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the
following are recommended:
* Complete blood count.
* Urinary Phenol (a test to see if Benzene is in the body).
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following controls are recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Benzene from drums
or other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria documents on
Benzene # 74 137 and "Refined Petroleum Solvents" # 77 192.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Benzene should
change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Benzene.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Benzene, immediately wash or shower to
remove the chemical.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Benzene is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Benzene. Wear solvent resistant gloves
and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can
provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing
material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
* ACGIH recommends VITON gloves for short periods of protection.
Eye Protection
* Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory
protection.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air
respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive
pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the
continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self
contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated
in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Benzene you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* Benzene must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such
as PERMANGANATES, NITRATES, PEROXIDES, CHLORATES, and
PERCHLORATES), since violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated
area away from HEAT.
* Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are
prohibited where Benzene is handled, used, or stored.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of Benzene should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be
equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and
flame arresters.
* Wherever Benzene is used, handled, manufactured, or stored,
use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Common Name: Benzene
DOT Number: UN 1114
DOT Emergency Guide code: 27
CAS Number: 71-43-2
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 0
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CARCINOGEN
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Benzene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. Water can be
used to keep fire exposed containers cool.
* POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to
cause a fire or explosion far from the source.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Benzene is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Ventilate area of spill or leak.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* Keep Benzene out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because
of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is
designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Benzene as a
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact the your state Environmental Program
for specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 75 mmhg at 68oF (20oC)
Flash Point: 12oF (11oC)
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Benzene
Other Names and Formulations:
Benzol; Coal Naphtha; Phenyl Hydride.
_________________________________________
Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
__________________________________________
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
__________________________________________
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Benzene is produced from coal and is used to make medicinal
chemicals, dyes, and many other organic compounds. It is also used
to make artificial leather, linoleum, oil cloth, varnishes and
lacquers. Benzene can enter the environment mostly from industrial
effluents.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Benzene has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. It can cause
death in plants and roots and membrane damage in leaves of various
agricultural crops. No data are available on the short-term
effects of benzene on birds or land animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Benzene has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are
available on the long-term effects of benzene on plants, birds, or
land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Benzene is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations ofbetween
1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Benzene is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of
between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount
of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.
About 99.5% of benzen will eventually end up inair; the rest will
end up in the water.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living oranisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
The concentration of benzene found in fish tissues is expected to
be somewhat higher than the average concentration of benzene in the
water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA,
Phytotox.
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