ICSC 0015 - BENZENE

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BENZENE

ICSC: 0015
_{May 2003}

Cyclohexatriene
Benzol

CAS No: 71-43-2
RTECS No: CY1400000
UN No: 1114
EC No: 601-020-00-8

C₆H₆
Molecular mass: 78.1

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion: see Chemical Dangers.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!
Inhalation	Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness. Pain. (Further see Inhalation).	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Sore throat. Vomiting. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.	F Symbol T Symbol R: 45-46-11-36/38-48/23/24/25-65 S: 53-45 Note: E UN Hazard Class: 3 UN Pack Group: II	Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1114 / 30GF1-II NFPA Code: H2; F3; R0	Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs oxidants and halogens.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

Chemical dangers
Reacts violently with oxidants, nitric acid, sulfuric acid and halogens causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks plastic and rubber.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.5 ppm as TWA; 2.5 ppm as STEL; (skin); A1; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: H; Carcinogen category: 1; Germ cell mutagen group: 3A; (DFG 2004).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, resulting in lowering of consciousness. Exposure far above the occupational exposure limit value may result in unconsciousness and death.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the bone marrow and immune system, resulting in a decrease of blood cells. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Boiling point: 80°C
Melting point: 6°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.88
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 0.18
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 10
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.7
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.2
Flash point: -11°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 498°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.2-8.0
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.13

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

NOTES

Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

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