Benzene
Safety Summary
Revision date: 08/20/2011
Version: 1.0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
SUBSTANCE NAME
Benzene
CHEMICAL IDENTITY
Name:
Brand name:
CAS number(s):
Molecular formula (optional):
Benzene
Benzene
71-43-2
C6H6
USES AND APPLICATIONS
Relevant identified uses
Use of the substance/preparation :Manufacture of substances
PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Benzene is a clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a characteristic ‘aromatic’ smell.
Property
Value
Physical State
Liquid
Colour
clear. colourless.
Odour
characteristic. aromatic hydrocarbons.
Density
0.8765 g/cm³
Melting/ Boiling Point
5.49 °C /80.09 °C
Flammability (optional)
not applicable
Explosive Properties
1.2 - 7.8 vol %
Self-ignition temperature
498 °C
Vapor pressure
100 hPa
Water solubility
1.88 g/l
Flash point
- 11 °C
LogPow
2.13
HEALTH EFFECTS
Benzene has been shown to be toxic to both humans and experimental animals via all routes of
administration. In liquid form, benzene is irritating to the skin and eyes. If vapours are inhaled, irritation
to the respiratory tract may be experienced. Single exposure to very high concentrations can cause
disorientation, euphoria and unconsciousness. Prolonged moderate exposure can cause toxic effects on
the blood and blood-forming organs. Benzene is listed as human carcinogen by the International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC). Exposure is associated with the potential to develop acute myelogenous
leukaemia.
Effect Assessment
Result
Acute Toxicity
Acute toxicity
: Not classified
Oral/ Inhalation/ Dermal
LD50 oral rat
> 2000 mg/kg
LD50 dermal
> 8260 mg/kg
rabbit
LC50 inhalation
44.5 mg/l/4h
rat (mg/l)
Irritation/ Corrosion
Skin:Causes skin irritation.
Skin/ Eye/ Respiratory Trat
Prolonged/repetitive skin contact may cause skin
defattening or dermatitis.
Benzene
Safety Summary
Revision date: 08/20/2011
Version: 1.0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sensitisation
Toxicity after repeated exposure
Oral/ Inhalation/ Dermal
Genotoxicity/ Mutagenicity
Carcinogenicity
Toxicity for reproduction
pH: not applicable
Eye:Causes serious eye irritation.
May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and to
other mucous membranes.
pH: not applicable
Respiratory trat:
Not classified
Not classified
LOAEL (oral,rat,90
25 - 50 mg/kg
days)
bodyweight/day
(males and females)
LOAEL
10 ppmV/6h/day
(inhalation,rat,gas,90
(mice)
days)
NOAEL (oral,rat,90
(No NOAEL could be
days)
determined) mg/kg
bodyweight/day
NOAEL
30 ppmV/6h/day
(inhalation,rat,gas,90
days)
May cause genetic defects.
May cause cancer.
Not classified
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
If spilled in water, benzene is toxic to fish, but it is very volatile and evaporates rapidly. It is not soluble
in water and rapidly biodegrades. It does not have a high potential to bioaccumulate.
Effect Assessment
Result
Aquatic Toxicity
LC50 fishes 1 5.3 mg/l
Fate and Behaviour
Biodegradation
Bioaccumulation Potential
PBT/ vPvB conclusion
Result
Readily biodegradable. not persistent.
Bioconcentration
> 2000
factor (BCF REACH)
Log Pow
2.13
Bioaccumulative
not bioaccumulative.
potential
This substance does not meet the criteria for
classification as PBT or vPvB.
EXPOSURE
Benzene is manufactured for industrial use only and is not used directly in consumer products. It is
manufactured, stored, and transported in closed systems. Control measures, including equipment
design and handling procedures, have been established to minimize potential exposure to workers,
community, and the environment.
RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Use only non-sparking tools. Spilled product must never be returned to the original container for
recycling. Use grounded electrical/mechanical equipment. Ensure the grounding of containers,
apparatus, pumps and suction equipment. Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. Avoid
Benzene
Safety Summary
Revision date: 08/20/2011
Version: 1.0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
producing mist or vapors by heating of opened recipient. Provide local exhaust or general room
ventilation to minimize vapour concentrations. Emergency eye wash fountains and safety showers
should be available in the immediate vicinity of any potential exposure.
Regional legislation
(waste)
Waste disposal
recommendations
:Dispose of contents/container to comply with applicable local, national and
international regulations. Consult the appropriate authorities about waste
disposal.
:Dispose of this material and its container at hazardous or special waste
collection point.
REGULATORY INFORMATION/ CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING
Classification according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 [CLP]
Flam. Liq. 2
Skin Irrit. 2
Eye Irrit. 2
Muta. 1B
Carc. 1A
STOT RE 1
Asp.Tox. 1
H225
H315
H319
H340
H350
H372
H304
Classification according to Directive 67/548/EEC or 1999/45/EC
Carc.Cat.1; R45
Muta.Cat.2; R46
F; R11
T; R48/23/24/25
Xn; R65
Xi; R36/38
Adverse physicochemical, human health and environmental effects
Benzene
Safety Summary
Revision date: 08/20/2011
Version: 1.0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Hazard pictograms
(CLP)
Signal word (CLP)
Hazard statements
(CLP)
Precautionary
statements (CLP)
:
GHS02
GHS07
GHS08
:Danger
:H225 - Highly flammable liquid and vapour
H304 - May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H315 - Causes skin irritation
H319 - Causes serious eye irritation
H340 - May cause genetic defects
H350 - May cause cancer
H372 - Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
:P210 - Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, open flames, sparks. - No smoking.
P243 - Take precautionary measures against static discharge
P280 - Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face
protection.
P301+P310 - If swallowed, immediately call a doctor.
P303+P361+P353 - IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all
contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower
P331 - Do NOT induce vomiting
CONTACT INFORMATION WITHIN COMPANY
Contact name
: Fernando Luis Weber
Telephone number
: +31-10-205-2944
Emergency number
: +31-6-5179-9886
E-mail
: fernandoluis.weber@braskem.com.br
DATE OF ISSUE
08/20/2011
REVISION
0