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BENZENE
ICSC: 0015
Peer-Review Status: 05.06.2003 Validated
Cyclohexatriene
Benzol 
CAS #: 71-43-2 RTECS #: CY1400000
UN #: 1114
EC #: 601-020-00-8
EINECS #: 200-753-7
 		    Formula: 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.  Use 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. Unconciousness.  Use 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.  Wear 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 refer for medical attention. 
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
Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Remove all ignition sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.  Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: F, T; R: 45-46-11-36/38-48/23/24/25-65; S: 53-45; Note: E 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
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. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks plastics and rubber. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.5 ppm as TWA; 2.5 ppm as STEL; (skin); A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 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, skin and respiratory tract. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in lowering of consciousness. Exposure far above the OEL could cause 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. This may result 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/100ml 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. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Benzene (EHC 150, 1993)
       BENZENE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Benzene (PIM 063)
       Benzene  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Supplement7, 1987)
       Benzene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 7, 1974)
       Benzene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 29, 1982)