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Chemical Name
Benzene

Synonyms
Benzol, Phenyl hydride

CAS Registry Number
71-43-2

RTECS Number
CY1400000

DOT/NAERG Numbers 1114 130
CCOHS Record Number 49
Molecular Formula C6H6
Description Note [Note: A solid below 42°F.]

Description
Colorless to light-yellow liquid with an aromatic odor.

Note
[Note: A solid below 42°F.]


EXPOSURE LIMITS

Conversion Factor
1 ppm = 3.19 mg/m3

NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (REL)
NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.1 ppm ST 1 ppm See Appendix A

OSHA Current Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)
OSHA PEL: [1910.1028] TWA 1 ppm ST 5 ppm See Appendix F

IDLH Concentration
Ca [500 ppm]


RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Recommendations For Respirator Selection
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 breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. 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. See Appendix E


PERSONAL PROTECTION AND SANITATION

Skin Protection
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eye Protection
Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Skin Clean-up
The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Clothing/PPE Removal
Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e. for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Clothing/PPE Change
No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

PPE Facilities
Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.]


HEALTH HAZARDS AND FIRST AID

Potential Routes of Exposure
Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Potential Symptoms of Exposure
Irritation eyes, skin, nose, respiratory/respiration system; dizziness; headache, nausea, staggered gait; anorexia, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); dermatitis; bone marrow depressed/depression; potential occupational carcinogen

Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory/respiration system, blood, central nervous system, bone marrow

Potential Occupational Carcinogen
[leukemia]

Eyes - First Aid
If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin - First Aid
If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Inhalation - First Aid
If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Ingestion - First Aid
If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.


PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Molecular Weight MW: 78.1
Boiling Point BP: 176°F
Freezing Point FRZ: 42°F
Solubility Sol: 0.07%
Vapor Pressure VP: 75 mmHg
Specific Gravity Sp.Gr: 0.88
Flash Point Fl.P: 12°F
Lower Explosive Limit LEL: 1.2%
Upper Explosive Limit UEL: 7.8%
Ionization Potential IP: 9.24 eV

Flammability Class
Class IB Flammable Liquid

Incompatibilities and Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, many fluorides & perchlorates, nitric acid

Measurement Method
NIOSH 1500   http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/pdfs/1500.pdf
NIOSH 1501   http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/pdfs/1501.pdf
NIOSH 3700   http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/pdfs/3700.pdf
NIOSH 3800   http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/pdfs/3800.pdf
OSHA 12   http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/organic/org012/org012.html
OSHA 1005   http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/validated/1005/1005.html


End of Record

The NIOSH Pocket Guide is provided by US NIOSH and reflects the most recent printed edition dated February 3, 2009.
Please review the NIOSH Pocket Guide Supplement for important information about respiratory selection.



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