NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Benzene

CAS 71-43-2

C6H6

RTECS CY1400000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Benzol, Phenyl hydride
DOT ID & Guide
1114 130

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.1 ppm ST 1 ppm See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1028] TWA 1 ppm ST 5 ppm See Appendix F
IDLH Ca [500 ppm] See: 71432 Conversion 1 ppm = 3.19 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless to light-yellow liquid with an aromatic odor. [Note: A solid below 42°F.]
MW: 78.1
BP: 176°F
FRZ: 42°F
Sol: 0.07%
VP: 75 mmHg
IP: 9.24 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.88
Fl.P: 12°F
UEL: 7.8%
LEL: 1.2%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, many fluorides & perchlorates, nitric acid
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1500, 1501, 3700, 3800; OSHA 12, 1005
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Important additional information about respirator selection
Respirator Recommendations (See Appendix E) NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, nose, respiratory system; dizziness; headache, nausea, staggered gait; anorexia, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); dermatitis; bone marrow depression; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, blood, central nervous system, bone marrow

Cancer Site [leukemia]
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0015   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0022