• What are other names or identifying information for benzene?
• What is the WHMIS classification?
• What are the most important things to know about benzene in an emergency?
• What are the potential health effects of benzene?
• What are first aid measures for benzene?
• What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for benzene?
• What are the stability and reactivity hazards of benzene?
• What are accidental release measures for benzene?
• What handling and storage practices should be used when working with benzene?
• What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) recommended exposure limit for benzene?
• What are the engineering controls for benzene?
• What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with benzene?

What are other names or identifying information for benzene?

CAS Registry No.: 71-43-2
Other Names: Benzol, Phenyl hydride
Main Uses: Manufacture of other chemicals, laboratory solvent.
Appearance: Clear colourless liquid.
Odour: Aromatic

Canadian TDG: UN1114

What is the WHMIS classification?

B2 - Flammable Liquid; D2A - Very Toxic (Chronic toxicity; Carcinogenicity; Mutagenicity); D2B - Toxic (Skin irritant; Eye irritant)

Class B2

Class D2A; D2B

What are the most important things to know about benzene in an emergency?

Emergency Overview: Clear colourless liquid. Aromatic odour. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. Can accumulate static charge. Can float on water and spread fire. IRRITANT. Causes moderate or severe eye and skin irritation. ASPIRATION hazard. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. VERY TOXIC. Prolonged or repeated exposure causes damage to blood, immune system. CANCER HAZARD. May cause cancer. MUTAGEN. May cause genetic defects.

What are the potential health effects of benzene?

Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation. Skin contact. Eye contact.

• Inhalation: Can irritate the nose and throat. Can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness.
• Skin Contact: SKIN IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling. Can be absorbed through the skin, but harmful effects are not expected. Any skin contact will also involve significant inhalation exposure.
• Eye Contact: EYE IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include sore, red eyes, and tearing. The vapour also irritates the eyes.
• Ingestion: Harmful. Can cause effects as described for inhalation. Aspiration hazard. May be drawn into the lungs if swallowed or vomited, causing severe lung damage. Death can result.
• Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. VERY TOXIC. Can harm the blood. Can cause a decrease in the number or size of red blood cells (anemia). Can cause a decrease in white blood cells and platelets, and harm the immune system. Blood tests may show abnormal results. May harm the nervous system. Conclusions cannot be drawn from the limited studies available.
• Carcinogenicity: CARCINOGEN. Known to cause: cancer of the blood or blood system. Has been associated with: other types of cancer.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Group 1 - Carcinogenic to humans.
American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): A1 - Confirmed human carcinogen.

• Teratogenicity / Embryotoxicity: Not known to harm the unborn child.
• Reproductive Toxicity: Not known to be a reproductive hazard.
• Mutagenicity: MUTAGEN. May cause genetic damage. Exposure of the parent may cause effects in children.

What are first aid measures for benzene?

Inhalation: Take precautions to prevent a fire (e.g. remove sources of ignition). Take precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g. wear appropriate protective equipment). Move victim to fresh air. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.

Skin Contact: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective clothing if necessary. Quickly take off contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Immediately flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Double bag, seal, label and leave contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods at the scene for safe disposal.

Eye Contact: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves if necessary. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If a contact lens is present, DO NOT delay flushing or attempt to remove the lens. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.

Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Have victim rinse mouth with water again. Immediately call a Poison Centre or doctor.

First Aid Comments: If exposed or concerned, see a doctor for medical advice. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.

Note to Physicians: Some jurisdictions specifically regulate an ingredient of this product and require a complete medical surveillance program. Specific information should be sought from the appropriate government agency in your jurisdiction.

What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for benzene?

Flammable Properties: FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Can ignite at room temperature. Releases vapour that can form explosive mixture with air. Can be ignited by static discharge.

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates.

Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Liquid can float on water and may travel to distant locations and/or spread fire. Liquid can accumulate static charge by flow, splashing or agitation. Vapour may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Vapour may accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces, resulting in a toxicity hazard. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents. In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; toxic, flammable aldehydes; and other chemicals.

What are the stability and reactivity hazards of benzene?

• Chemical Stability: Normally stable.
• Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, sparks, static discharge, heat and other ignition sources.
• Incompatible Materials: Reacts explosively with: halogens (e.g. chlorine). Increased risk of fire and explosion on contact with: nitric acid, oxidizing agents (e.g. peroxides). Not corrosive to: carbon steel, aluminum alloys.
• Hazardous Decomposition Products: Very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; very toxic, flammable aldehydes; and other chemicals.
• Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None known.

What are accidental release measures for benzene?

Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area immediately Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel out of spill area.

Methods for Containment and Clean-up:  Stop or reduce leak if safe to do so. Small spills or leaks: contain and soak up spill with absorbent that does not react with spilled product. Place used absorbent into suitable, covered, labelled containers for disposal. Flush spill area. Large spills or leaks: contact emergency services and manufacturer/supplier for advice.

Other Information: Report spills to local health, safety and environmental authorities, as required.

What handling and storage practices should be used when working with benzene?

Handling: In event of a spill or leak, immediately put on escape-type respirator and exit the area. Eliminate heat and ignition sources such as sparks, open flames, hot surfaces and static discharge. Post "No Smoking" signs. Prevent accidental contact with incompatible chemicals. Avoid generating vapours or mists. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use or empty.

Storage: Store in an area that is: cool, well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and ignition sources, separate from incompatible materials, an approved, fire-resistant area, clear of combustible and flammable materials (e.g. old rags, cardboard). Electrically bond and ground containers. Ground clips must contact bare metal. Avoid bulk storage indoors.

What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) recommended exposure limit for benzene?

ACGIH® TLV® - TWA: 0.5 ppm Skin A1 BEI®

ACGIH® TLV® - STEL [C]: 2.5 ppm

Exposure Guideline Comments: TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. A1 = Confirmed human carcinogen. BEI® = Biological Exposure Index. STEL = Short-term Exposure Limit. C = Ceiling limit.

What are the engineering controls for benzene?

Engineering Controls: Use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace. Use backup controls (e.g. double mechanical pump seals) to prevent the release of this material due to equipment failure. Use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe electrical systems in areas where this product is used and stored.

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with benzene?

Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles and face shield when contact is possible.

Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Suitable materials include: polyvinyl alcohol, Viton®, Barrier® (PE/PA/PE), Silver Shield/4H® (PE/EVAL/PE), Tychem® BR/LV, Tychem® Responder, Tychem® TK.

Respiratory Protection: Wear a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air respirator.

Document last updated on January 7, 2013

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