Air pollution

Benzene

Properties of benzene is described below

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).
MAC: H;
Carcinogen category: 1; Germ cell mutagen group: 3A;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: 1910.1028 TWA 1 ppm ST 5 ppm
NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.1 ppm ST 1 ppm
NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen 500 ppm

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.

Click here for help with converting units

For more information see website:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0015.html