Diesel fuel

Agent Name
Diesel fuel
CAS Number
68334-30-5; 68476-30-2; 68476-31-3; 77650-28-3
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
Astral oil, Gas oil, Coal oil, Fuel oil, Home heating oil, Marine diesel fuel; [ACGIH]
Category
Petroleum, Refined
Description
Brown to straw-colored liquids; [ACGIH] A mixture of aliphatic, olefinic, naphthenic, and aromatic hydrocarbons; [CHEMINFO MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used for heating oil and diesel engines; [CHEMINFO MSDS] Used as fuel for engines, lamps, heaters, furnaces, and stoves; Also used as solvents; [ATSDR ToxFAQs]
Comments
TSCA Definition 2008: A mixture of crude oil distillates with carbon numbers of C9 to C20 and boiling points of 163 deg C to 357 deg C; [ChemIDplus] Critical Effects: skin; irritation; "Avoid prolonged and repeated skin contact to diesel fuels which can lead to dermal irritation and may be associated with and increased risk of skin cancer." Diesel fuel does not contain significant levels of polynuclear aromatics (PNAs) and contains <0.01% benzene and n-hexane. Rats and mice exposed repeatedly to high doses show evidence of liver damage. IARC classified marine diesel fuel as 2B (possible human carcinogen) and exposures in petroleum refineries as 2A (probable carcinogen). A few cases of acute renal failure following diesel exposure have been reported. [ACGIH] Excessive inhalation can cause CNS depression and heartbeat irregularities; [CHEMINFO MSDS] Acute tubular necrosis has been reported after heavy skin exposure, e.g., frequent hand washing with diesel oil over several weeks. [Rosenstock] See "Petroleum mid-distillate."
Biomedical References
Search PubMed

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
100 mg/m3, as total hydrocarbons (inhalable fraction and vapor)
Vapor Pressure
2.1 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP = 2.1 to 2.6 torr @ 21 degrees C; [ACGIH]
NFPA
high ambient temp required

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: