2011-10-26 GPS Safety Summary
Page 1 / 3 Ethylbenzene
GPS Safety Summary
SUBSTANCE NAME
Ethylbenzene
GENERAL STATEMENT
Consumer risk and exposure is very unlikely as this substance is manufactured and handled in industrial settings.
The environmental effects, ecotoxicology and toxicology information available for this chemical is provided based on studies and/or a reliable evaluation of its hazardous properties. See Health and
Environmental Effects.
This chemical should not enter surface water, groundwater water and soil. See Risk Management
Recommendations.
CHEMICAL IDENTITY
Name Ethylbenzene
Product names Ethylbenzene
Chemical name (IUPAC) Ethylbenzene
CAS number
EC number
Synonyms
100-41-4
202-849-4 phenylethane
USES AND APPLICATION
Ethylbenzene is used as a raw material to manufacture other chemicals. It is also used as a solvent and paint thinner for coatings and resins.
PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Ethylbenzene is a clear, colorless liquid with a aromatic or gasoline-like odor at standard temperature and pressure. Ethylbenzene is highly flammable and vapors may form explosive mixtures in air.
Ethylbenzene reacts violently with oxidants, which may result in fire or explosion.
Property
Specific Gravity
Melting / Boiling point
Value
0.87 g/cm
3
-95°C/ 136°C
Explosive Properties
Explosive Limits, vol. % in air
Self-ignition temperature
Vapor Pressure
Molecular weight
Flashpoint
Vapor air mixtures are explosive
1-7
432°C
10 hPa (20°C)
106.20 g/mol
15°C
HEALTH EFFECTS
Ethylbenzene is harmful if inhaled; however, the substance has a low toxicity by oral and dermal exposure. The substance may be irritating to the eyes and skin. It may cause central nervous system effects upon prolonged or repeated exposure including headaches, nausea and intoxication. No evidence that the substance causes genotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, reproductive and developmental effects.
Effect Assessment
Acute toxicity (oral, dermal and inhalation)
Result
Harmful if inhaled. Low toxicity by oral and dermal exposure.
May be irritating to eyes and skin. Eye / Skin irritation
Sensitization
Toxicity after repeated exposure
Not sensitizing.
Repeated exposure may cause central nervous system effects.

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Genotoxicity / mutagenicity
Carcinogenicity
No evidence of genotoxic or mutagenic effects.
No evidence of carcinogenic effects.
Toxicity for reproduction No evidence of reproductive or developmental effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
When released into the soil or water, this material is expected to readily biodegrade. Ethylbenzene is harmful to aquatic life.
Effect Assessment
Aquatic toxicity
Result
Harmful to aquatic life.
Fate and Behaviour Result
Biodegradation
Bioaccumulation potential
PBT / vPvB conclusion
Readily biodegradable.
Low bioaccumulation potential.
No data available.
EXPOSURE
Human health
Consumers will not come in contact with this chemical as it is manufactured in a closed process which also minimizes employee exposure potential. Personnel exposure to this chemical in the manufacturing facilities is low because the process, storage and handling operations are enclosed.
Normal industrial practices assure limited workplace exposures. These practices include handling with good ventilation. When containers and tanks are cleaned, residues are captured and treated. All workers are trained in the properties and safe practices of using chemicals including using personal protective clothing.
Environment
Direct use by consumers is not intended since there are no known consumer uses for this chemical.
The manufacture is a closed and automated process and no exposure to the environment are intended.
Any exposures will generally be lower than concern levels.
RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
When using chemicals make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Always use appropriate chemical resistant gloves to protect your hands and skin and always wear eye protection such as chemical goggles. Do not eat, drink, or smoke where chemicals are handled, processed or stored. All releases that may include the substance must be directed to a wastewater treatment plant that removes the substance from the final releases to the receiving water. Releases to air are not expected and therefore no specific recommendations are required.
STATE AGENCY REVIEW
• EU-GHS Regulation (EU) No. 1272/2008
• EU-Risk Assessment (Regulation 793/93)
• IPCS International Chemical Safety Card
REGULATORY INFORMATION / CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS-Labeling
Statutory basis EU-GHS as per Regulation (EU) No. 1272/2008
Symbol(s)
Signal word Danger
H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.

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H332: Harmful if inhaled.
H402: Harmful to aquatic life.
CONTACT INFORMATION WITHIN COMPANY
Email address USA
GLOSSARY
Acute toxicity
Biodegradable
Bioaccumulation
Carcinogenicity
Chronic toxicity
GHS
Mutagenicity
Reprotoxicity harmful effects after a single exposure breakdown of materials by a physiological environment accumulation of substances in the environment effects causing cancer harmful effects after repeated exposures
Global Harmonized System on Classification and Labelling effects that change genes combining teratogenicity, embryo toxicity and harmful effects on fertility allergenic effects on fetal morphology
Sensitizing
Teratogenic
DATE OF ISSUE
2011-10-26 New
Disclaimer:
This GPS Safety Summary is based on Evonik´s present knowledge and experience as of the date of issue.
However, it implies no liability or other legal responsibility on the part of Evonik, including with regards to existing third party intellectual property rights, especially patent rights. In no event shall Evonik be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information herein or the chemical to which that information refers. In particular, no warranty, whether express or implied, or guarantee in the legal sense is intended or implied by Evonik.
This GPS Safety Summary is only intended to provide general information about the chemical referred to herein but not any in-depth health and safety information. The information in this GPS Safety Summary is supplied on the condition that the persons receiving the same will make their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. This GPS Safety Summary does not supersede or replace required regulatory and/or legal communication documents.
Performance of the chemical described herein should be verified by testing which should be carried out only by qualified experts.
Evonik reserves the right to make any changes to this GPS Safety Summary in accordance with technological progress or further developments. Reference to trade names used by other companies is neither a recommendation, nor does it imply, that similar products could not be used.