Common Name: Ethyl Benzene
CAS Number: 100-41-4
DOT Number: UN 1175
Date: July, 1988
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Ethyl Benzene can affect you when breathed in and by passing
through your skin.
* Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
* High concentration can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded,
or to pass out. Very high levels can cause paralysis, trouble
breathing and death.
* Contact can irritate the skin. Prolonged exposure can cause
drying, scaling and even blistering.
* High exposure may damage the liver.
* Ethyl Benzene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Ethyl Benzene is a colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. It is
used in the production of styrene and synthetic polymers, as a
solvent and as a component of automotive and aviation fuels.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Ethyl Benzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, DEP, NFPA and EPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it 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 = 2.3 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
100 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 100 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 125 ppm as a STEL
(short term exposure limit).
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limits listed above.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Ethyl 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 Ethyl 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.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Ethyl Benzene:
* Ethyl Benzene can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
* Exposure to high concentrations can cause you to become dizzy,
lightheaded and to pass out. Very high levels can cause
trouble breathing, paralysis and death.
* Contact with Ethyl Benzene can irritate the skin.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Ethyl Benzene and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Ethyl Benzene has not been tested
for its ability to cause cancer in animals.
Reproductive Hazard
* There is limited evidence that Ethyl Benzene may damage the
developing fetus.
Other Long Term Effects
* Repeated contact can cause drying and scaling of the skin.
Prolonged contact can cause blistering.
* High exposure may cause liver damage.
* This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine
whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated
exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based
chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may
include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes
(withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances,
reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying
internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms
and legs (weakness, "pins and needles").
MEDICAL TESTING
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Liver function tests.
* Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood
(irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise
and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and
peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline
individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing.
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 Ethyl Benzene from
drums or other storage containers to process containers.
* Before entering a confined space where Ethyl Benzene may be
present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration
does not exist.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Ethyl Benzene
should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Ethyl
Benzene.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Ethyl Benzene, immediately wash or shower
to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any
areas of the body that may have contacted Ethyl Benzene,
whether or not known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Ethyl 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 Ethyl 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.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory
protection is worn.
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.
* Where the potential exists for exposures over 100 ppm, use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved respirator with an organic vapor
cartridge/canister. More protection is provided by a full
facepiece respirator than by a half mask respirator, and even
greater protection is provided by a powered air purifying
respirator.
* If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator,
you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Ethyl Benzene, or in
the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye
irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the
respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the
filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good,
you may need a new respirator.
* Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace.
You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges,
or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical
(such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals.
* Exposure to 2,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 2,000 ppm
exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing
apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or
other positive pressure mode.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Ethyl Benzene you should be trained on
its proper handling and storage.
* Ethyl Benzene must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG
OXIDIZERS since violent reactions occur.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Ethyl Benzene is handled, used, or stored.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of Ethyl Benzene should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be
equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and
flame arresters.
* Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Ethyl Benzene.
Common Name: Ethyl Benzene
DOT Number: UN 1175
DOT Emergency Guide code: 26
CAS Number: 100-41-4
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Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA
FLAMMABILITY - 3
REACTIVITY - 0
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POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Ethyl Benzene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Ethyl 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.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Ethyl Benzene as
a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific
recommendations.
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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
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 7.1 mmhg at 68oF (20oC)
Flash Point: 59oF (15oC)
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Benzene, Ethyl
Other Names and Formulations:
Ethylbenzol; Phenylethane.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ethyl Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid which is mainly used
as a precursor to styrene. It is present in "mixed xylenes," which
are largely derived from petroleum. Ethyl Benzene may enter the
environment from petroleum-based industrial discharges or spills.
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.
Ethyl Benzene has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has
caused injury to various agricultural crops. Insufficient data are
available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of Ethyl
Benzene to 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.
Ethyl Benzene has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of Ethyl Benzene to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Ethyl Benzene is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of
between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Ethyl Benzene is non-persistent in water, with a half-life -due to
volatilization - of less than 2 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 Ethyl Benzene will eventually end up in
air; 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 Ethyl Benzene found in fish tissues is
expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of
Ethyl Benzene in the water from which the fish was taken.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA,
Phytotox.
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